Derbyshire Times

Entries now open for this year’s Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards

The parent company of Chesterfield’s Derbyshire Times, National World is set to celebrate apprentices across our region later this year, by hosting the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024.

The company’s journey with the apprenticeship awards began in 2017, driven by the desire to spotlight the success stories emerging from apprenticeship programs. National World aims to showcase not only the achievements of apprentices but also the invaluable support from their employers, mentors, and training providers.

Apprenticeships provide a unique approach to education, training, and career development. The hands-on learning experience, coupled with the opportunity to earn while you learn, makes apprenticeships a dynamic pathway for individuals exploring diverse industries, from traditional trades to cutting-edge fields like technology and healthcare.

The program often serves as a gateway to full-time employment in industries that apprentices may not have previously considered.

Completing an apprenticeship frequently leads to industry-recognised certifications, enhancing individuals’ credibility and employability and facilitating smoother transitions into different roles or advancements within their chosen fields.

Nominations are open to apprentices, employers, colleges, training providers, and proud loved ones. Specific categories are dedicated to employers and mentors, allowing businesses to showcase their teams and trainers.

The grand announcement of winners will take place at the live event on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, held at The Village Hotel, Nottingham. Register by visiting www.dnapprenticeshipawards.co.uk before the closing date of 6pm on Wednesday, July 31st.

Derbyshire Times editor and Destination Chesterfield board member, Phil Bramley said: “Local apprentices are not only carving out great careers for themselves, but also driving innovation and success at the businesses they’re working with.

“These awards are a fantastic way to showcase the work they do and the success stories they are part of.

“If you’re an apprentice – or business or education provider that works with one – why not enter the awards and put our great local apprenticeships in the spotlight?”

Award Categories:

  • SME Employer of the Year: Open to businesses, with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
  • Large Employer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network: Open to businesses, with 250+ employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.
  • Diversity and Inclusion Programme, sponsored by Auto Windscreens: Open to all employers that run an apprenticeship programme which actively encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Mentor of the Year: This category is for an individual who has encouraged and inspired apprentices throughout their training programme. Mentors can be the line manager, a training provider or someone that the apprentice works with who has greatly contributed to the individual’s development
  • Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: For an outstanding apprentice who is currently studying for a level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE passes at grades 4–9). Apprentices should be enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme before June 2023
  • Advanced Apprentice of the Year: For an outstanding apprentice who is currently studying for a level 3 qualification (equivalent to A Level Pass). Apprentices should be enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme before June 2023.
  • Higher Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Nottingham Trent University: For an outstanding apprentice who is currently studying for a level 4 or 5 qualification. Apprentices should be enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme before June 2023
  • Degree Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by University of Nottingham: For an outstanding apprentice who is currently studying for a level 6 or above qualification. Apprentices should be enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme before June 2023.
  • Professional Services Apprentice of the Year: Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme by June 2023, and work within the Professional Services sector.
  • Health & Public Service Apprentice of the Year: Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme by June 2023, and work within the Health or Public Service Sector.
  • Construction Apprentice of the Year: Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme by June 2023, and work within the Construction.
  • Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme by June 2023, and work within the Engineering or Manufacturing sectors
  • Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year: Open to apprentices, who were enrolled in their programme by June 2023, and work within the Technology and Digital Sectors.
  • Training Provider of the Year: Open to colleges, organisations or businesses that provide the training element of an apprenticeship programme to a business or organisation.

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

Apprentice 873x466

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

The Derbyshire Times to offer money saving vouchers at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

The Derbyshire Times is teaming up with local retailers to encourage readers to support Chesterfield town centre businesses – and save them money at the same time.

The paper is running a set of vouchers in its March 17 edition which will give readers the chance to claim money off purchases at stores at the Vicar Lane, as well as free drinks – and even free parking at the shopping centre’s car park.

Derbyshire Times editor Phil Bramley said: “We know the cost of living crisis is hitting us all – as well as our local town centre shops, as customers count the pennies.

“That’s why we’re launching the new campaign to help support our high street – AND save readers money when they spend with local businesses.

“The aim is simple, we are encouraging all readers to make a conscious decision to shop locally and spend some time and money with Chesterfield’s shops, businesses and independent traders.

“In return, they’re offering exclusive money-saving deals to thank you for your support, and to help us all with the rising cost of living.

“The vouchers are valid at a number or stores on Vicar Lane, from a free cuppa at the Vintage Tearooms to money off the latest fashion from Ministry and Bon Marche, there are great offers to save your cash – whilst you support your local high street too..”

For more details, see this week’s Derbyshire Times or visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/business

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is a modern, open-air shopping centre home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores. Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield town centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/chesterfield-town-centre/

The Derbyshire Times and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

(Above photo) Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (Top Right photo) Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor

Posted in Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Numerous Chesterfield Champions recognised at prestigious Derbyshire Times Business Awards

The cream of the county’s business community has been celebrated at the 2021 Derbyshire Times business awards.

Honours were presented in 15 different categories at a glittering awards ceremony held on Thursday night.

The coveted 2021 Business of The Year award, sponsored by City Fibre, was won by Chesterfield Champion, CBE+.

Judges praised the impact the precision engineering and laboratory service business has had in response to the pandemic, as part of the national effort to combat the covid virus and how they are also adapting their systems to help the environment.

They said: “They have built a sustainable business and managed not only to maintain employees jobs, but to expand. Their leader has true entrepreneurial spirit and they have shown real innovation.”

Stan Mowatt was awarded the lifetime achievement award, after dedicating 50 years to business entrepreneurship and to the development of healthcare products used across the globe.

Other winners were:

Retail Hero – Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Apprentice of the Year – Aaron Corbet of O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd

Excellence in Manufacturing & Engineering – CBE+

Professional Services Award – Shorts Chartered Accountants

Customer Service Award – Morley Hayes Leisure Ltd

Innovation Award – Timeless Life Casting & Memorial Jewellery

Covid Response – Galaxy Travel & Cars Ltd

Community Initiative – Safe and Sound

Team of the Year – Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

New Business of the Year – Great2

Small Business of the Year – Moss Valley Fine Meats

Employee of the Year – Damion Davies of O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd

Business Leader – Nick Holland from SDL Minorfern

Derbyshire Times editor, Phil Bramley, said: “Local businesses are the lifeblood of our community and it has been wonderful to celebrate the incredible dedication, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit they have shown over the last year.

“The pandemic has thrown up immense challenges for businesses, but the way they have adapted, evolved and fought their way through, is truly inspirational.”

For more from the awards visit www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/business

The Derbyshire Times, CBE+, Adorn Jewellers, Shorts, Galaxy Travel, Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care, Great2, and SDL Minorfern support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Times Business Excellence 2021 award winners pictured.

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

Chesterfield estate agents support launch of new Derbyshire Times property guide

The Derbyshire Times has launched a brand new 16-page weekly property guide – thanks to the support of leading estate agents from across Chesterfield.

The new supplement, which launched in the June 17 edition of the Derbyshire Times, will showcase the beautiful homes for sale and to rent across the north Derbyshire area.

It also includes editorial features about homes for sale, as well as local market news and the latest on interior design trends.

Phil Bramley, editor of the Derbyshire Times, said: “The backing we have received from local estate agents for this initiative has been exceptional.

“North Derbyshire has a burgeoning housing market, along with many new developments in the pipeline.

“The area’s excellent transport links and robust local economy have made it an attractive prospect as the recovery gets underway.

“We’ve been working hard throughout the pandemic to keep our readers up-to-date on news that matters to them in the district, and we’ve learnt from their feedback how much they value the DT as a trusted source of local information online and in print.

“We know, too, that property is of huge interest to our readers right now – which is why we are so pleased to launch the new property guide this week.

“I’d also like to thank all the local estate agents who have supported this initiative and helped make it happen.”

Chesterfield and the surrounding area is a popular and established destination for both businesses and visitors as well as a superb place to live offering a great lifestyle.

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone. Find out more about living in the town here. 

Derbyshire Times 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, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Nominations open for Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards

The Derbyshire Times is celebrating the very best in business across the county, with the launch of this year’s  business excellence awards.

The awards have been running for over a decade, highlighting and honouring our amazing local firms – and the people that work for them.

Phil Bramley, editor of the Derbyshire Times, said: “The dynamics of many of our businesses have changed over the past 18 months. Every organisation has had to pivot, adapt, collaborate or change the way they were doing things and we want to celebrate them.

“We’ve made a few changes to our awards categories and we won’t be asking for any financial evidence this year.

“For the first time we also have the opportunity for our community to nominate their Retail Hero

“Preparing your entry for the awards should provide an opportunity to reflect on the positives, rather than the negatives and to share your success with the wider community.

“You might question if you’re ‘good enough’.

“Who says you’re not? How do you know if you don’t try? Or you might be fearful of failure, but entering awards isn’t always about winning, it’s also about what you make out of the opportunities and your journey.

“We invite you to put your entries forward and join the celebration of what has been a very challenging time and are really looking forward to hearing your stories and hopefully celebrate success at the awards ceremony scheduled to take place on Thursday November 25 held at the Casa Hotel.”

Entries are now open and will close on September 23 at 6pm – visit www.derbyshiretimesbusiness.co.uk for more information and for further details on how to submit an entry.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Covid response: The past 12 months rocked our community and economic foundation. Many organisations took the opportunity to make exceptional changes, which for many allowed their business to remain viable and open to their target audience and for others helped to support the NHS. We will reward the business that best describes their response to the crisis.

Community Initiative (Sponsored by Blachford UK): We want to recognise charities, CIC’s, volunteer groups or community groups that are doing great things to support people in their community. Whether you are a small grassroots organisation or a larger charity with a local presence, this award is open to you. We want to hear about what you do, the people and communities you help, the amazing projects you are running and the impact this is having.

Innovation Award (Sponsored by Radius by Shorts): The winning business will be able to demonstrate their ability to navigate market conditions and be at the forefront of their industry. What ways has your business adapted to change or brought to market a new product or service? Or implemented an innovative process or solution?

Apprentice of the Year: With close to a million active Apprenticeships across England alone, apprenticeship schemes have fast become a preferred route to employment for thousands of school leavers. This award recognises an apprentice who has excelled in their training and goes above and beyond for the benefit of both their business and their future career.

Team of the Year: This award recognises teams that have overcome obstacles or have shown an outstanding performance in the last 12 months.. Either a team who usually work together or did so for a special project or task.

Employee of the Year: Open to Employers to put forward an employee who is deserving of recognition. Nominations should reflect the merit and achievements that the employee has demonstrated.

Property and Construction Award: Entries open to property and construction businesses of any size. Judges will be looking for businesses in this sector who can demonstrate effective project management, excellent customer service, environmental awareness and deliver exceptional results.

Excellence in Manufacturing and Engineering Award (Sponsored by United Cast Bar Ltd): This award will be presented to the company that demonstrates a modern, efficient and innovative approach to manufacturing or engineering.

Professional Services Award: This award will look at businesses that demonstrate excellence in the professional services sector. Open to organisations of any size. We want to hear about your business and what measures you undertook to continue with your services to the community during the pandemic. There is no definitive list of occupations, but examples include accountants, architect, dentists, engineering, healthcare, law, IT, investment and finance and training

Business Leader: This award will recognise the achievements of an individual that had made an outstanding contribution to their business and industry through dedication and hard work. This person can be the owner or one of the senior leadership/management team.

New Business of the Year: Open to all businesses that have been operational for less than 3 years (as of November 2021) Businesses should have been successful in identifying a market gap to launch a new business and be able to showcase how innovation, product development, market knowledge and effective leadership have played a part in their growth to date. We would also like an understanding of plans for future growth.

Small Business of the Year: Open to organisations with 15 or fewer staff. Judges will be interested in the ethos and background to the business, its profitability and the unique selling points, which make it a success. We would also like to hear the impact made within its sector since trading and how it has overcome any challenges it has encountered.

Customer Service Award (Sponsored by Beesleys): Over the past year customers have encountered a new way of dealing with businesses, face to face contact has been less and service with a smile has been removed due to face masks. However customer service remains an essential part of any successful business. This award aims to reward and recognise a company, individual, or team, for their outstanding achievement in providing exceptional customer service.

Retail Hero (open to public nomination): The past year has been challenging for our local retailers. This award is open for the public to nominate their favourite local retailer, big or small. How did you still manage to buy and replenish your wardrobe? Nominate your retail hero.

Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by Future Life Wealth Management Ltd): The judges are looking for an individual who has had a major impact on their business and the area over a number of years. If there is someone we should consider for this award, please provide a name and brief overview of their achievements for them to be a contender.

2021 Business of the Year (Sponsored by CityFibre): This award is the ultimate accolade for all our entrants and the winner will be chosen from each of the category winners. The judges will be looking for the company/person who has shown the most enterprise, passion and drive in taking their business forward. Dedication and innovation will be key to the winner of this most prestigious award.

Derbyshire Times 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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