Author: Tara Underhill

Students at Tupton Hall School Win Young Enterprise Competition

2nd April 2015

Students at Tupton Hall School have been declared as the overall winners of the local Young Enterprise Company of the Year competition.

The team, which set up nappy cake business – Tantrum Baby Products – received the top award from category sponsor Franke Sissons at a ceremony held at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield last week.

A total of eight finalists from schools and colleges competed on the night; all of which had set up and run their own businesses for an academic year – along with the support of local business advisers and teachers.

As well as delivering four minute presentations to a panel of judges including representatives from three local businesses – Central Technology, NLT Training Services, and MSE Hiller, teams were also required to showcase their products and services on the night.

Winners from Tupton Hall School will now represent North Derbyshire at the Young Enterprise Company Final at Matlock County Hall on April 27th – along with runners up from Hope Valley College and St Mary’s Catholic High School.

Other schools and colleges recognised during the evening include:-

• Best Trade Stand (supported by Chesterfield Borough Council) – St Mary’s Catholic High School (Landmarks)
• Best Company Report (supported by BHP Chartered Accountants) – Parkside Community School (Fedora)
• Best Product (supported by the Manor at Brampton) – St Mary’s Catholic School (Nostalgia)
• Most Innovative Company (supported by Expo Industries UK) – Hope Valley College (HV Connect)
• Best Presentation (supported by Banner Jones Solicitors) – Tupton Hall School (Tantrum Baby Products)
• Runners up (supported by Franke Sissons Ltd) – Hope Valley College (HV Connect) & St Mary’s Catholic High School (Nostalgia)
• Overall Winner (supported by Franke Sissons Ltd) – Tupton Hall School (Tantrum Baby Products)
Congratulating all participants, Chair of Young Enterprise, Jamie Toyne said:-

“All 8 of our finalists were exceptionally good this year, which made it a very difficult task indeed for our judges. The Young Enterprise Company Programme highlights just how many talented young people we have in the area and I’m sure they will all go far in the future.

“On behalf of the North Derbyshire Area Board, I would like to wish Tupton Hall School, Hope Valley College and St Mary’s Catholic High School the very best of luck in the next stage of the competition. I’m sure they will all do the county proud.”

“I’d also like to express my thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and to local businesses and Chesterfield Champions for joining us on the evening. Also special thanks to our three judges – Ian Snow from Central Technology, Andy Sheppard from NLT Training Services and Ivan Formin from MSE Hiller – who all offered invaluable support at the event.

To find out more about Young Enterprise, or to register your interest in attending the County Final in Matlock on Monday 27th April, please email jamietoyne@gmail.com or tweet @YE_NDAB.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Young Spireites Duo to Sign Professional Deals

1st April 2015

Chesterfield FC has offered professional contracts to youth team duo Laurence Maguire and Jake Beesley.

Maguire, who plays in central defence, has captained the high-flying Spireites youth team this season while striker Beesley has scored 20 goals so far. Both youngsters have a footballing heritage.

Maguire’s brother Harry is with Premier League club Hull City and Beesley’s father, Paul, starred for the likes of Sheffield United and Leeds United.

Commenting on the decision to offer contracts to the pair, Academy Manager, Gerry Carr said:-

“This is without doubt the most difficult part of my job. We have had an excellent season with the youth team and all of the players have played a huge part in that.

“Mark Smith and I have assessed all of the second years over a two-year period and Laurence Maguire and Jake Beesley have been the most progressive over that period. Hopefully they can both go on to represent Chesterfield in the first team. For those two the hard work to become a successful professional footballer is just starting.

“Those that have been unfortunate enough not to be offered a professional contract will hopefully go on to prove us wrong. We as a club will do our best to help them out in the next stage of their lives and careers. I wish them all the very best of luck in the future.”
Maguire expressed his delight at the news. He said: “It feels very good. When I got the news from Gerry and Mark, I was just relieved – now it’s onwards and upwards.”

Beesley added:-

“I’ve been at the club since I was 14-years-old. It’s nice to come all the way through, get my scholarship first and then after those two years I’m delighted now to get my first pro contract.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s Mud-loving Legals Endure Charity Challenge

1st April 2015

A team from Banner Jones Solicitors – known as the ‘Mud-Loving Legals’ – has raised over £300 for Help the Heroes at the Endurer 8km Dash in Barlow.

The Endurer course, developed by former Royal Marine Commandos is a test of anyone’s stamina, strength, agility and determination and includes a muddy commando crawl, a 7ft wall, high bale stacks, a water slide and a freezing cold pond dip to name a few.

Kerry Anderson, Costs Lawyer at Banner Jones said:-

“I knew it would be muddy but I never expected mud up to my waist- we almost lost a team member!

It’s the best event I’ve ever done, we laughed all the way round and the support from Banner Jones was amazing. We were absolutely thrilled to discover that we had finished 18th out of 65 teams who entered.”

Marketing Manager, Ann-Marie Lowe comments:-

“Banner Jones do a lot of charity work throughout the year and regularly enter teams into running events, including the Chesterfield Marathon, but when the team decided they wanted to have a go at this we couldn’t help but support them.

“They took this on with absolute determination and have helped to raised £327 for Help for Heroes in the process. We are very proud of our Mud Loving Legals!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Shorts Take on Cycle Challenge in Memory of Colleague

30th March 2015

Partners and staff at Shorts Chartered Accountants are teaming up to raise money for The Lymphoma Association in memory of a long-serving Chesterfield colleague.

The group has been training over the winter in preparation for a 170 mile ‘Way of the Roses’ charity cycle ride in spring.

The marathon route, which starts in Morecambe and finishes in Bridlington is a highly popular yet extremely challenging cycling route. The team plans to complete the challenge in 3 days covering between 40 and 65 miles each day.

Senior Tax Manager at Shorts, Adrian Dunkley is organising the event and comments:-

“2015 marks Shorts’ 125th anniversary and we wanted to organise a charity event which would coincide.

“Sadly, over Christmas 2014 Shorts lost a long serving and greatly respected colleague, Brian Sewell to Lymphoma. It made sense that we complete this challenge, whilst raising money for this extremely worthwhile cause in his memory; it is fantastic that so many of the staff and partners are taking part.’

The team is scheduled to set off on Friday 8 May 2015, from Morecambe, aiming to arrive in Bridlington on Sunday evening. Those taking part include Paul Beeson, Chris Chambers, Howard Freeman, Simon Hollin, Andy Ryder, Linzi riley, Tom Winter, Adrian Dunkley, Martin Dean, Matt Milnes, Greg Taylor, Paul Snaith, Kate Smith, Eleanor Huddleston, and Claire Seedhouse.

Donations can be made by visiting the team’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/shorts-accountants1/ or by texting the code BINE75 with the donation amount to 70070.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Exciting Apprenticeship Opportunities on Offer With Derbyshire County Council

30th March 2015

Derbyshire County Council has announced 50 apprenticeship vacancies across the county. Roles in Chesterfield are varied and range from plumbing and joinery and youth work to marketing and social media.

Derbyshire County Council’s Chief Executive Ian Stephenson said:

“An apprenticeship offers a great way into the world of work and we hope as many people as possible come along to the recruitment days to see what we have on offer.”

Young people are invited to find out more at a drop in session on Thursday 16th April from 3.00pm – 6.30pm at The Peter Webster Centre on Sheffield Road. On the day potential applicants will be able to talk to staff about the apprenticeships available, pick up an application form and participate in mini skills workshops on completing application forms and preparing for interviews.

Application forms will also be available online from 27 March to 10 May at by clicking here. Alternatively, applicants can contact Learning Unlimited on 01629 535 850 for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Homes to be Protected Against Flooding

27th March 2015

More than 60 Chesterfield homes will be protected against flooding thanks to a specialist scheme supported from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Work is currently being carried out by specialist contractor Whitehouse Construction on three homes in Spital Lane. The properties will be fitted with flood doors, drainage pumps and non-return valves as well as other works to seal against flood water.

A further 59 homes in Brampton are to benefit later in the year.

The Environment Agency has helped secure funding for the work with Chesterfield Borough Council contributing a further £53,000 towards the cost.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment said:

“Although the council is not directly responsible for flooding, we know that flooding has been a big problem for some of our residents and this is why we have contributed funding towards the work.

“The work carried out on these homes should offer real relief to people who have previously experienced flooding after heavy rainfall.

“We will continue to work with our partners to help alleviate the risk and effects of flooding for residents.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Volunteers Transform Local Footpath

27th March 2015

Seven ramblers have joined forces with Chesterfield Borough Council to improve a boggy local footpath ahead of the annual Chesterfield in Bloom competition.

Running from the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate through to Cobnar Wood to link with the countryside around Barlow, the route is popular with walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and workers alike.

The volunteers are currently working with council park rangers to install edging boards and resurface the path with stone so that local people will soon be able to gain access to the ancient wood throughout the year.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment said:

“Chesterfield in Bloom is a project led by the council to encourage people to take pride in and help improve their local environment.

“Thanks to the volunteers from Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Ramblers giving their time and effort, the community can now benefit from an improved path offering access to local countryside and wildlife.

Michael Sims from Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Ramblers, who volunteered on the project added:

“We are very pleased that we were able to assist in the project.

“The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, to enjoy walking and protect the places we love to walk.”

The council will launch the annual Chesterfield in Bloom garden competitions in early May. Anyone interested in volunteering as part of Chesterfield in Bloom should contact John Ramsey on 01246 345097.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Last Chance to Vote in 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

27th March 2015

Time is ticking to nominate your favourite shop or store in Chesterfield. Nominations for the town’s popular retail awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, close on Monday 6 April at midnight. Shoppers can nominate at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

However, if you miss the nomination deadline, shoppers still have one more chance to vote in the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award. Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Destination Chesterfield want to help find the town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre.

The Vicar Lane Award will be presented by the Centre at the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards being held on on 24 June 2015 at the Winding Wheel.

Voting for the Vicar Lane Award opens on the 2 April until 30 April and can be done in any of the 40 shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre or online at www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Manager Sonia Kolomijez said: “Last year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards were a huge success and really got the town talking – shoppers and retailers alike. It made sense to work in partnership with Destination Chesterfield in order to celebrate the best Vicar Lane retailer. It’s easy to vote and I would encourage as many shoppers as possible to take the opportunity to do so and help us find and celebrate their favourite retailer.”

The Vicar Lane Retailer of the Year winner will join winners from across 14 categories in the Chesterfield Retail Awards, which include:

• Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
• Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
• Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
• Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
• Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
• Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
• Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
• Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
• Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
• Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
• National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
• Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
• Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
• Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include eBusiness works and the Derbyshire Times.

This year, retailers can support their call for nominations by submitting a short 20 second video explaining why shoppers should nominate their business. Videos should be emailed to info@chesterfield.co.uk and will appear on Destination Chesterfield’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Photo shows winners of the 2014 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Gold Medal Celebrations for Students at Chesterfield College

26th March 2015

Students at Chesterfield College are celebrating after winning a gold medal in the regional and national heats of the WorldSkills UK – a contest which is designed to test knowledge, practical skills and attributes valued by employers.

The students competed in different disciplines demonstrating their expertise and using the skills they had learnt at college and in their workplaces.

This year’s winners were Blake Robey, in Automotive Refinishing and Jennie Jarvis in Advanced Nail Art.

Winners from last year, James Grayson in Automotive refinishing and Tom Beardsley in Fabrication and Welding, have both made the UK squad and will soon find out if they will be competing in the international competition in Brazil later this year.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said “The determination, dedication and expertise demonstrated by the students in these competitions is phenomenal. To win medals at national level is no easy task and to potentially make it to international competition level really makes me proud. It demonstrates how a good college education coupled with industry experience can really make young people world class in their chosen field.”

Peter Lauener, Chief Executive from the Skills Funding Agency, the Education Funding Agency and the official UK delegate to the WorldSkills 2015 competition in Brazil joined staff and students from the college at a special lunch last week.

Peter said: “The Worldskills competition plays a vital role in raising standards and levels of expertise in further education. They raise the profile of a range of skills and prove how careers can be shaped by having them. Skills are vital for our economy and local colleges like this play a key role in making sure we are equipping local workforces with the skills they need.”

Photo from left to right: Stuart Cutforth; Jennie Jarvis; Peter Lauener; Blake Robey; Frank Smith, Head of Corporation, Chesterfield College (Photo by: Demetri Yiallourou)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

SEO CoPilot Shares More Industry Knowledge with Chesterfield College Students

26th March 2015

Digital and creative students at Chesterfield College received more expert advice from SEO CoPilot last week to help them understand the changes announced by Google earlier this year.

Guy Tomlinson, Founder of SEO CoPilot gave two presentations covering the importance of a user friendly website, search engine optimisation and accomplished social media marketing, and how to implement it all when designing a website.

The visit is the second time this year that Guy has shown his support for the town’s future workforce. Sharing his enthusiasm, Guy said:-

“I have always been a strong believer in sharing my knowledge with the student community and will continue to support the fantastic work being done by Chesterfield College.”

“With regular search algorithm updates from Google, having a fully compliant website is paramount to the success of any business looking to market itself online and the latest change which will start to roll out on the 21st of April is no exception.”

“Of course it doesn’t stop there either. If you want to be successful in web designing then search engine optimisation and paid search marketing is vital to a website’s long term sustainability, popularity and visibility on the internet. There’s no point in having pictures on a map if all the landscape is the same.”

“Finally, no one can deny the importance of social media. It’s unquestionably the best form of (mostly) free advertising and will give a huge boost to any marketing campaign, the learning curve now is much better than a few years ago as more and more people grow up with social media at the forefront of their lives.”

SEO CoPilot is based in the heart of Chesterfield and delivers bespoke search engine optimisation, pay per click and social media campaigns to help businesses increase traffic to their website and boost the amount of sales and enquiries they receive.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Derbyshire Community and Voluntary Groups to Receive Funding Boost

26th March 2015

Community and voluntary groups supporting older and vulnerable people are set to receive a share of £2.5 million from Derbyshire County Council.

More than 200 grants will go to organisations across the county ranging from larger groups such as Derbyshire Carers Association, Disability Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living and the Alzheimer’s Society to around 150 smaller groups including lunch clubs, exercise groups and befriending services.

The groups which will benefit from the funding provide a wide range of services and support aimed at helping people to stay independent for as long as possible and promoting their health and wellbeing. This can prevent, reduce or delay the need for people to use mainstream social care services.

A review will be carried out to decide exactly where the funding should be used. The review, which will use criteria agreed by the Health and Wellbeing Board, will aim to ensure the money available is being used in the most efficient and effective way and supporting the most vulnerable people.

Derbyshire County Council’s Assistant Director for Adult Care Julie Vollor said:

“Community and voluntary groups provide wide ranging services across the county which can support people who need a bit of extra help to stay living independently, safely and well in their own homes.

“We recognise the value of many of these services and are pleased to be able to fund them for the coming year.

“The review will look at a number of factors, including who the services help and in what way, as well as whether there are other services that could provide similar support. Most importantly, no decisions would be made on funding without consultation.”

Posted in About Chesterfield