Derbyshire news

Mixed picture for East Midlands economy as growth continues amid skills and supply chain concerns

The East Midlands economy is continuing to grow in response to lockdown restrictions being eased – but there are warning signs ahead, according to the latest research by East Midlands Chamber.

The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 2021 by the region’s leading business representation group shows improvements across most indicators, including sales, cashflow, employment and investment intentions.

But East Midlands firms also reported issues with price pressures and access to required skills to fill job vacancies.

More than 400 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the survey between 23 August and 14 September.

East Midlands Chamber QES Q3 2021 data

Key findings from the survey for the East Midlands* included:

  • UK sales increased for a net 37% of businesses, while advanced orders were up for a net 36%
  • Overseas business activity lagged behind domestic but remained positive, with overseas sales rising for a net 8% of businesses and advanced orders rising 6% – although the projection is down by 5% compared to the Q2 forecast
  • A net 25% of organisations increased their labour force in the previous three months, while a net 38% expect to grow it over the next three months
  • After five consecutive quarters in which cashflow had been down for the majority of firms, it has now been positive in the past two quarters, with a net 15% of businesses reporting they had more access to cash in Q3
  • Investment intentions are positive, with a net 26% expecting to spend on training people, and a net 16% on machinery and equipment
  • A net 63% of businesses are confident their turnover will improve over the coming quarter, while a net 37% believe profitability will increase
  • A net 46% of businesses said they were concerned about future price increases
  • Two-thirds (67%) of companies attempted recruitment in the previous quarter and, of these, 71% said they faced problems with hiring the right people

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “The top-level results show a mixed picture that hides a number of variables at play in the East Midlands economy.

“Cashflow continues to improve for more businesses than not, training investment intentions are positive and overall confidence in future turnover continues its upward trajectory.

“As the economy continues its reopening after a successful vaccine rollout, the pent-up demand that characterised much of the summer remains a positive factor.

“But there are also a few of areas of concern. Price pressures continue to come from increased raw material costs, pay settlements and, increasingly, energy costs.

“This has knock-on effects, with investment in machinery and equipment growth – an important ingredient in fuelling a recovery – falling back slightly on the previous quarter.

“Performance in overseas markets remains volatile and, while turnover confidence has grown from Q2, confidence in increased profitability has fallen back, a result of squeezed margins.

“Recruitment is also a growing problem, with over seven in 10 struggling to fill vacancies across all skills levels.”

‘There’s still much that we don’t yet fully understand’

The State of the Economy Index – a measure of the region’s economic health compiled by aggregating various indicators – reached its highest level since Q3 2018 in the previous quarter.

It again rose in Q3 2021, albeit only slightly, as other issues have arose in recent months related to supply chain issues, skills challenges and additional taxation in the form of a health and social care levy that increases the burden for both employers and employees.

“There’s still much that we don’t yet fully understand,” added Chris. “There are many factors at play in shaping current challenges for businesses – the impact of policy responses to the pandemic on the recovery, changes in individual approaches to work expectations, structural changes to supply chain operations and immigration rules as a result of Brexit, and global shortages as the whole world looks to bounce back, to name but a few.

“The balance of influence of these different factors, some which are temporary and others that may be longer term, is still being unpicked. As we learn more over the coming months, we’ll have a better idea of whether they are flies in the ointment or something more fundamental.

“There is also trepidation ahead of the 27 October Autumn Statement, where we’ll find out more about how Government plans to tackle supporting the economy over the next period and the balance between tax and spend.

“Regardless, the coming months will be instructive as to what shape the recovery will take. As we learn more about which challenges are going to be longer term, it’s important that policy responds to this appropriately and doesn’t get distracted with temporary issues the market can take care of itself.”

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Designers put finishing touches to huge garden transformation at Chatsworth

A new ‘meadow glade’ bursting with thousands of flowers including Primula, Campanula, Ranunculus, Deschampsia, Succisa and many more has been created to mark the final major planting in Chatsworth’s biggest garden transformation for nearly 200 years.

A trio of Britain’s leading garden designers, Tom Stuart-Smith, Dan Pearson and James Hitchmough, have worked with Chatsworth’s Head of Gardens and Landscape, Steve Porter and his team for more than three years to redevelop the world famous 105-acre garden.

More than 300,000 plants, including hundreds of trees, have gone into the ground across a previously underdeveloped 15-acre area known as ‘Arcadia’. Major work has also been done in a further 10-acres that includes a remodelled Rock Garden, the Maze Borders, the Ravine, Trout Stream and Jack Pond.

Work continued right through the pandemic with a reduced garden team given a helping hand by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire who were keen to develop a more sustainable future for the garden. During autumn 2020, around 95% of 70,000 perennials and bulbs were planted peat-free and were either grown in the open ground and transported bare root, or in biodegradable pots made from remoulded husks that are a by-product of the rice industry.

“The Duke and Duchess have often been in the garden helping out with planting, placing and watering, particularly when we were short-handed” says Head of Gardens and Landscape, Steve Porter. “They have been very involved and supportive of a more sustainable approach and that will be a key theme in the next round of changes in the garden.”

“We’ve been reducing the environmental impact of our work in all areas. The plants grown on site for Chatsworth’s shops are already completely peat-free and almost no pesticides or fungicides are used in the glasshouses – predatory bugs are released instead as part of an integrated pest control programme.”

James Hitchmough, based at the nearby University of Sheffield, has overseen the seeding of the new ‘meadow glade’ with thousands of perennial flowers, one of four new glades in Arcadia. New pathways take visitors deep into Arcadia’s heart, with earlier plantings already well established and flowering.

A wet glade known as the bog garden, contains more than 34,000 new plants and bulbs including 8000 Camassia grown onsite in Chatsworth’s own nursery. Drifts of more than 2000 Candelabra Primula in six different varieties are being planted as well as Iris, Rodgersia, Gunnera, swamp cypress (Taxodium), royal ferns and other plants able to thrive in damp conditions such as pond edges, stream banks or damp shady borders.

The overall plan for Arcadia by landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, supported by Gucci, saw 15-acres cleared for the planting of hundreds of new trees and the four meadow-like glades connected by woodland walks. A major new art installation called ‘Natural Course’ has been created by the Derbyshire artist Laura Ellen Bacon using more than 100 tonnes of local stone to build a monumental sculptural centrepiece.

One of the Duke of Devonshire’s favourite shrubs, Daphne, features strongly in Arcadia, particularly around seating areas because of its scent, while winter Helleborus in different colours and Primula in spring are other highlights.

In the Rock Garden, Iris are a standout flower among more than 12,000 new plants, which include many more grasses and perennials. Work along the Trout Stream has included some 7000 additional plants familiar to a woodland floor, such as Tiarella and Epimedium.

Redevelopment of the Trout Stream has been intimately connected to Dan Pearson’s creation of Chatsworth’s ‘Best in Show’ garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015, which provided Dan with the conceptual inspiration for the new planting and seating.

The foundations of Chatsworth’s present garden and park were laid out by William Kent and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century and Joseph Paxton in the 19th century.

The 105-acre garden is the product of nearly 500 years of careful cultivation and retains many early features, including the Canal Pond, Cascade and Duke’s Greenhouse. The famous waterworks include the 300-year-old Cascade, the Willow Tree Fountain and the impressive, gravity-fed Emperor Fountain, which reaches heights of up to 90m.

 

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Chatsworth House to celebrate 20 years of iconic festive exhibitions

Chatsworth is set to celebrate The Magic of Christmas with a look back over the 20 years since the house first opened for the festive season in 2001, to help revive Derbyshire’s tourism industry which was badly affected by foot and mouth disease that year.

Visitors will see nods to a variety of themes that have featured in the house over the past two decades, as they enjoy decorations designed to capture the magic of the festive season.

With the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in February 2001, the countryside was effectively closed to visitors until the summer, which had a huge impact on the whole visitor economy. At that time, Chatsworth normally closed from October to Easter but in 2001, the 11th Duke of Devonshire decided to keep the house open in the hope that it would encourage visitors to come into the area and help the local economy.

What was originally intended as a one-off Christmas season proved an instant hit, attracting thousands of visitors, and has become the biggest event in the calendar for the Derbyshire estate.

The return of the festive season this year following the restrictions on businesses due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 brings the story full circle, as hopes are high for a Christmas full of reflection, reminiscence and positivity, as the country continues on a path to recovery.

Since 2001, Christmas at Chatsworth has grown in size and scale, with displays becoming more elaborate each season making it a much anticipated and popular activity for thousands of people who return year after year keen to see what’s in store. With a different theme each year, Christmas at Chatsworth has become increasingly grand and more ambitious, involving dozens of specially grown Christmas trees, yards of great garlands, and copious amounts of fairy lights.

This year’s standout feature looks set to be the snow installation in the Inner Court. A newly installed lamppost will bring to mind the snowy scenes from Narnia, while other rooms on the Christmas route will evoke seasons past from the traditions of the Victorian era and the world of Charles Dickens to the imaginary worlds of Mr Toad and Alice in Wonderland.

Following its successful introduction last year, there will once again be a festive light installation in the garden to make a Christmas visit last even longer. Visitors can enjoy an illuminated walk round the garden, with atmospheric lighting bringing a festive sparkle on a route past the Emperor Fountain, Rock Garden and the Cascade surrounded by hundreds of glowing lights.

Tickets are on sale now with the timed slots still in place to help manage the flow of visitors at all times. This year will also see the return of the famous Chatsworth Christmas market, with over 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations taking place on Lodge Hill next to the house from 6-24 November 2021.

Over in the farmyard, there will be a variety of festive activities, with more details to follow. Early booking is recommended.

For information and advance booking, visit www.chatsworth.org

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Derbyshire Institute of Sport launches programme to instil ‘Olympic know-how’ in local businesses

An organisation which has created more than 20 world-class athletes, including 10 Olympians and Paralympians who competed in Tokyo this year, has launched a new scheme aimed at improving leadership within local businesses.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport is offering to give firms in our area the same performance psychology tools and techniques they use in the elite sports environment to build resilience, motivation and a mindset for success.

Managing Director Chloe Maudsley explained: “Our Business Champions club is a unique 12-month programme designed by our performance psychologist, Dr Phil Clarke, to give you the tools to be the best version of yourself and through that accelerate your business growth. It offers something different from traditional business coaching.”

The second cohort of Business Champions starts in October and only six places are available. This time it is all online, except for a final, face-to-face event in September 2022, making to easier for busy professionals to join sessions from anywhere without time-consuming travel.

Dr Clarke, who has trained elite athletes and FTSE 250 companies, said: “The sessions and tasks in this year-long programme will help you learn how to thrive in high-pressure situations and adjust to rapidly-changing situations in the business environment.”

Craig Harbron, of Bennett Engineering Design Solutions, completed the first Business Champions programme. He said: “It has enhanced my ability to understand new approaches to situations and new ways of thinking. Having these methods and understanding has led to increased motivation, focus points and with the one-to-one support I’ve been able to overcome current challenges.”

Another graduate of the first programme, business owner Sarah Gatford, said: “Working with DIS Business Champions has been a great decision.

“Having been knocked sideways by the pandemic business-wise, being part of this programme and having access to the incredibly knowledgeable and insightful Dr Phil Clarke has supported me in turning things around.

“I’ve had the opportunity to talk things through individually, attend webinars and generally feel that I’m back on my feet with some exciting new challenges ahead.”

During the year, Business Champions will have six educational webinars, 11 group reflection webinars and six one-to-one coached sessions online with Dr Clarke where they can work through specific challenges that they face at work or work on improvements to their reactions, communication and behaviours in different circumstances. There will also be five peer tasks during the year that champions will work on remotely in pairs.

You can read more about the programme at https://www.derbyshireis.co.uk/business-champions-club and request a digital brochure from Chloe Maudsley by emailing info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ringing 07974 231564.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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DEBP announces name change and launches new research and evaluation initiative

DEBP, formerly known as Derbyshire Edcuation Business Partnership will now be known as Direct Education Business Partnership, after a change to the organisation’s name took effect from 1st  September.

The organisation continues to work extensively in Derbyshire but also works much further afield, and the change reflects DEPB’s work in the wider education landscape.

Alongside this, DEPB will be fully established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Clare Talati, CEO of DEBP, said: “This is an exciting move for us as we transition from being a private limited company with social aims to a fully-fledged charitable organisation.

“We want to be part of a sector whose primary purpose is to create social impact rather than profit. All Directors and staff, our greatest asset, will continue with us on this journey and we look forward to furthering our work to help young people reach their full potential.”

Alongside this, DEPB has introduced the new research and evaluation arm of the business; Insight+. This has grown from an existing project commissioned by Derby County Community Trust – as part of the Opportunity Area Inclusion Programme – to undertake a research and evaluation project capturing the educational experience of learners educated within a pupil referral unit environment.

This focusses on the inclusion/exclusion process and will help inform the City around their commitment to be a zero-exclusion centre of excellence.

Clare said, “Our core work will continue to focus on the delivery of programmes with business and educational partnerships. Insight+ will extend our work to providing research solution options, looking at best practice and new ideas, to address community needs and gaps. It will also enable us to extend our focus and use our expertise to help to advance education nationally.”

DEBP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Henry Boot announces support for 2021 Chatsworth 10k race

Henry Boot have pledged their support for a major regional event by sponsoring the finish line snack station at the upcoming Chatsworth 10k.

Due to take place on Sunday 12th September from 9:30am on the Chatsworth Estate, the 2021 Helen’s Trust Chatsworth 10k event is organised by Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen’s Trust, with runners participating in aid of the charities.

Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen’s Trust is a registered charity aiming to improve the quality of life of patients affected by life-limiting illnesses in the High Peak, Derbyshire Dales & North East Derbyshire areas.

To continue providing their valuable services, Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen’s Trust must raise over £3,600 per day, making events such as the Chatsworth 10k vital for the charity.

Henry Boot are incredibly proud to be supporting such a fantastic charity through the sponsorship of the 10k.

Jack Kidder, Responsible Business Manager at Henry Boot said “We are proud to once again be supporting Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen’s Trust through the sponsorship of the runners snacks at this year’s Chatsworth 10k.

“Each year Henry Boot are committed to supporting communities nationwide, through dedicated charity projects, recognising our collective responsibility to support valuable charities and services wherever possible.

“Blythe House Hospicecare & Helen’s Trust provides incredible care, not only to patients with life-limiting illnesses, but also to the families of patients, including bereavement support for both adults and children, and we are delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s 10k event which will generate the charity much needed funds.”

Rebecca Gregory at Blythe House Hospice said “We are so grateful to Henry Boot for not only providing sponsorship towards the finish line snack station, but also volunteering a team of their staff to help on the day.

“The Chatsworth 10k is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year, and the money raised through the runners registration and generous corporate sponsorship allows us to provide more care for families in our communities who are affected by life-limiting illness.”

Alongside the traditional 10k, families are also invited to participate in the 3k fun run, suitable for both adults and children.

Online registration to the event is open until 8th September at: https://blythehousehospice.org.uk/event/chatsworth-10k/. You can also register for £23 on the day, with proceeds from all runners’ registrations going directly to the charity.

Henry Boot Construction supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Derbyshire Distillery raising spirits at Peak Village as new store opens

Dr Derbyshire’s Emporium is the latest new tenant to commit to the Peak Village (formerly Peak Shopping Village) retail and lifestyle destination in Rowsley, following recent store openings by Denby Pottery and Dotique, the designer fashion brand for women.

The brainchild of premium gin-maker Derbyshire Distillery, Dr Derbyshire’s Emporium will be an all-round experience for gin-lovers with sampling, personalised labelling and regular gin-related events at the store, which is due to open in early October.

Set up in 2018, Derbyshire Distillery uses traditional methods to produce high quality gins, vodkas and liqueurs using the best local and international ingredients and fresh Derbyshire water. The store at Peak Village is the brand’s first standalone retail outlet but it is already the gin of choice for many hotels, restaurants and bars in the region.

“It’s a real vote of confidence in the changes we’re making that Derbyshire Distillery, Denby and Dotique have all committed in the past few weeks. A huge amount of work is being done to improve the site and that’s generated a lot of interest from aspirational brands looking for a suitable outlet near to Chatsworth, Bakewell and Matlock. We’re expecting to announce more exciting new shops and events by the end of the year and for Peak Village to become a real ‘must-go’ destination for locals and visitors alike,” says Katayune Jacquin, Peak Village Centre Manager, who has worked at the site for more than a decade.

Situated in the village of Rowsley on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Village hosts nearly 20 shops and employs between 80 and 100 people. Aiming to offer something distinctively different from traditional high streets and shopping malls, Peak Village is targeting a higher percentage of independent retail brands and operators with a strong local connection.

Peak Village was bought earlier this year by the Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at nearby Chatsworth.

Approximately £1m has been committed to redevelopment with more than half already spent on essential repairs, redecoration, refitting of vacant units, and the landscaping of public areas with planters and new street furniture.

“The ongoing upgrade of facilities is good news for Peak Village, which was underinvested for some years previously, and it’s good news for the local economy. This investment has secured existing local jobs and is creating new jobs both directly and through the local companies and suppliers we’re working with. What’s more, Peak Village will be drawing in millions of pounds of retail revenue to the Derbyshire economy.” says Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group.

The Devonshire Group has strong experience in retail through its existing operations at Chatsworth (the estate farm shop and gift shops) and at Bolton Abbey and is a landlord to many retail outlets across its estates in Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

Derbyshire Distillery supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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All Systems Go for The Peak District Highland Games 2021

Matlock Farm Park has confirmed the return of the popular Strongman event, The Peak District Highland Games on Sunday, 29th August.

Now in its fifth year, this key Peak District event will see a team of some of the country’s strongest men take part in a schedule of six events throughout the day, including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, the Giant Stone Throw, Log Press and the Tossing of the Caber.

This year sees the introduction of women competing in their own Strongwoman event on the day.

Man Beast Strongman Events co-founder Andy Picken said: “It’s great for the guys to be back doing what they do best, bringing the strongman sport to audiences to witness some awesome feats of strength. With women competing this year too, they can demonstrate the same dedication to training and some amazing strength skills, as well as highlighting the diversity in rapidly growing strength sport.”

Abi Bradbury, General Manager of Matlock Farm Park, added: “We’re thrilled to once again be hosting this fantastic outdoor event, which has always been so popular with visitors of all ages. Along with watching the strongman and strongwoman events, and even having the chance to take part in a Tug of War, there’s so much else to do around the farm park, including small animal handling, wallaby encounters and children’s pony rides. We have great play areas and Kimmo the children’s entertainer is with us throughout the day too.”

The day will begin with a Scottish Piper band playing to lead the competitors into the arena, with representatives from the region’s official tourism board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire officially opening the event. On site there will also be food and craft stalls, Thornbridge beer tent and a gin garden.

The athletes themselves come from all over the country holding local, regional and even some world records, with a variety of work backgrounds from tradesmen to a train driver!

Andy Picken, who is also Master of Ceremonies on the big day, explained how the athletes feel about a return to competing: “It’s been such a hard time for the Nation and Lockdown has provided extra challenges to the athletes who have had limited home equipment to maintain strength. But with restrictions easing, they’ve been hitting the gym again with a renewed fire in the belly and they’re feeling very excited at the prospect of The Peak District Highland Games. Some have even got their own Caber to train with!

“With some new faces in the line-up, we have shaken up the competitors which gives some hungry fringe contenders a chance to shine and take on the established athletes. It’s certainly going to be a day to remember to those spectating!”

Tickets on sale now – Find out more about the event here.

Matlock Farm Park 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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Derbyshire economy bounces back strongly, East Midlands Chamber survey finds

Confidence among Derbyshire businesses is continuing to make a strong comeback as the economy reopens – hitting heights not witnessed for almost three years, according to new research by East Midlands Chamber.

The latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2021 by the region’s leading business representation group shows recruitment, sales and investment all increased significantly as the Government roadmap out of lockdown progressed.

Its State of the Economy Index – a measure of the region’s economic health compiled by aggregating various indicators – reached its highest level since Q3 2018 as the steady recovery was replaced with big growth expectations.

More than 400 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the survey between 17 May and 8 June.

Key findings from the survey for Derbyshire included:

• UK sales increased for a net 35% of businesses, while advanced orders were up for a net 31%
• Overseas sales rose for a net 3% of respondents and overseas orders increased for a net 2%
• A net 17% of organisations increased their labour force in the previous three months, while a net 44% expect to grow it over the next three months (only 3% expecting it to reduce)
• There was finally some positive news regarding cashflow, which had decreased for the majority of firms during each of the previous five quarters, with a net 6% reporting it to have improved
• Investment intentions are rising, with a net 32% expecting to spend on machinery and equipment while a net 28% predict they will invest in training
• A net 63% of businesses are confident their turnover will improve over the coming quarter, while a net 33% believe profitability will increase too

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Building on the recovery seen in Q1 2021, growth across Derbyshire – both in terms of activity and sentiment – continued to strengthen as the Government roadmap for re-opening progressed across the past three months.

“Domestic markets performed particularly strongly for both sales and orders, while overseas markets were stronger for advanced orders than in-quarter sales.

“Employment has also increased and looks set to continue growing with positive recruitment intentions. Encouragingly, following a year of cashflow deterioration, as more businesses have been allowed to open and confidence has grown, access to cash has also improved for the majority of firms.

“While there remain certain sectors for whom the roadmap has been slower to reach them and are still in need of support, the overall picture is one of strong growth and strong prospects for future demand and activity.”

Despite the positive trajectory for most key economic indicators, there were signs of potential growing pains ahead.

Six in 10 respondents attempted to recruit in the second quarter and, of those 62% struggled to fill roles. These difficulties were particularly acute for skilled and professional jobs, but also present across less skilled roles.
As workforces increase, half of businesses reported difficulties in finding the skills they need – versus 42% that were confident of doing so.

Pressures on pricing may be the biggest issue to watch, with a net 49% anticipating increases in their prices over the coming quarter. The biggest pressure is coming from raw material prices (60%), particularly for manufacturers, but it is also coming from other overheads (42%), including energy costs and staff pay.

Chris added: “Although the headline figures are clearly positive, it’s not all plain sailing for businesses.

“At the same time, problems associated with growth are immeasurably preferable to those associated with decline, and businesses overall will be encouraged with where the economy currently is, particularly given where we were six months ago.”

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Derbyshire reaches one million vaccine doses

Vaccination teams across Derbyshire have passed the landmark of administering one million doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

The vaccination programme began on December 8, with an average of more than 6,000 doses per day administered by teams operating out of 27 different sites.

Derbyshire has the highest first dose vaccination rate in the Midlands and the fourth highest in England, having reached more than 71% of the adult population. The only systems in England to reach a greater proportion of adults are Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.

Derbyshire is the third system in the Midlands to reach the one million mark, and Joined Up Care Derbyshire executive Medical Director Steve Lloyd paid tribute to the efforts of the thousands of people involved.

“This vaccination programme is the biggest ever undertaken by the NHS and its success is a tribute to the efforts of so many people in so many different ways,” he said.

“GPs and practice staff have been right at the forefront, managing the existing workloads while also mobilising to deliver an incredibly successful programme. Staff from all over the system have been involved, putting in countless extra hours to organise and run the whole programme and the vaccination sites themselves.

“Our partners organisations, especially Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, have been vital parts of the programme, providing expertise, staff and facilities to make this all work. So many different organisations have been involved, from the acute hospital trusts to councils, DHU Healthcare and many others.

“The Local Resilience Forum has also been a vital part of the process, providing support and co-ordination at a high level across multiple organisations.”

“A special mention needs to go to the volunteers who have done so many hours, often in difficult circumstances of bad weather or unsociable hours. Their dedication and good will have helped us reach the one million vaccine mark.

“But we need to remember that we still have a long way to go. Hundreds of thousands of people still need to receive vaccinations, including the important second dose, and we still need volunteers and staff to be part of the next phase. We’ve done brilliantly so far, but the job isn’t done yet and we know that significant challenges will lie ahead both in completion of the current phase of this programme and into the future as it potentially becomes a booster programme alongside other routine vaccinations.”

Chesterfield Mayor, Cllr Glenys Falconer receiving a vaccine at The Winding Wheel

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New home and new era for Derbyshire Institute of Sport

A new era has begun for Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS). It has a new home at the iconic Derby Arena and has expanded its operations to work with athletes and team players across the country.

DIS was founded in 2012 and since then it has been based at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Rd campus.

Managing Director Chloe Maudsley said: “We have had eight wonderful years working onsite with the university. They were a major, founding partner – alongside the city and county councils – when we began work as Derbyshire’s legacy project following the 2012 Olympics. We are so grateful to the university and founding partners for their support and unfailing belief in our mission.”

The original DIS goal was to increase the number of Derbyshire-based, world-class athletes. Its target of developing 20 such champions by 2020 was achieved in February 2020. These champions included marathon runners Jessica Piasecki and Ben Connor who have BOTH been confirmed in Team GB for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. DIS also worked with hurdlers Alex Knibbs and Jess Turner; para badminton world number one Jack Shephard; heptathlete Niamh Emerson, who is world junior champion and is now being coached by Toni Minichello and Jessica Ennis-Hill, and five times world champion para cyclist Katie Toft.

When the pandemic arrived, DIS recognised there was a need to provide support for talented sportspeople who could no longer get to gyms or train with their local teams. During the lockdowns it has worked with athletes online, offering strength and conditioning classes, nutrition, psychology and lifestyle support and virtual physiotherapy screenings.

DIS, which became a community interest company in 2017, is continuing to work with elite individual athletes and is also now working with team sports players and amateur athletes who want to be a champion at any level.

Chloe said: “We are coming out of the third lockdown on a high with our move to Derby Arena, which has great facilities and enables an expansion to our work to develop, inspire and support people who want to be the best they can be at the sports they love.”

DIS is following all Government guidance and working closely with the Arena to offer its athletes full membership of the Arena gym and face-to-face support from its world-class coaches in a Covid-secure way.

Chloe added: “For those who live further afield, we will continue to offer a package of 100% online support. This gives us the chance to help team sports players and individual athletes based anywhere in the world. Whether people choose a face-to-face or a virtual programme, they are all delivered by our multi-disciplinary team of experts who have supported Olympians, Paralympians and world champions.”

Rachel North, Strategic Director for Communities and Place, said: “We are delighted that Derbyshire Institute of Sport has chosen the excellent facilities of Derby Arena for its new base. It is fantastic to see how we have achieved the vision of 20 elite athletes by 2020 and look forward to seeing the Arena play its part in building more world champions of the future. Now that our leisure centres can start re-opening again, we look forward to welcoming our athletes in person.”

DIS 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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