About Chesterfield

D2N2 Announces New Chair

17th July 2018

Elizabeth Fagan, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Boots, has been appointed Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

She succeeds Peter Richardson OBE, who has been Chair of D2N2 since 2012.

D2N2 is the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. It works with businesses, local authorities, skills and training providers and community and voluntary sector organisations, to grow the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire economy.

Under Peter’s watch, the D2N2 LEP has already exceeded its original target of creating 55,000 new jobs in ten years – from 2013 to 2023 – and is now working on a new Strategic Economic Plan and Local Industrial Strategy for the cities, towns and rural areas in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Elizabeth said:-

“I am very pleased to be joining as the Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership at this important time in its development. This area is home to world-class businesses and knowledge bases, has a hard-working talent pool, a vibrant cultural offering and is a beautiful place to live, work and visit.”

“I believe that the power of D2N2 lies in the intersection between public and private companies and I hope that some of my experience will help make a positive difference. I look forward to working with business and local partners to create and deliver a new strategy for high value economic growth that benefits all our communities.”

Paying tribute to the work of her predecessor, Elizabeth said:-

“I thank Peter for the work that he has done as Chair of the LEP. He has been at the heart of D2N2’s successes to date and I wish him every success in future roles.”

Since 2012, Peter has overseen:

The creation of D2N2’s original Strategic Economic Plan, in which the target of creating 55,000 new jobs and the means to create them, were devised
Extensive lobbying for the planned High Speed Rail Line (HS2) to come through the D2N2 area, resulting in an ‘East Midlands Hub’, at Toton, Nottinghamshire, and a maintenance depot at Staveley, Derbyshire
Support for the growth of the Nottingham and Derby Enterprise Zone, from the opening of Medicity, part of the Boots Enterprise Zone site in November 2013, right through to the continued development of each of the Nottingham and Derby Enterprise Zone sites today
The signing of the D2N2 Growth Deal with Government, which secured £174m in Local Growth Funding for projects in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to improve infrastructure and create jobs and which has since been increased to £250m.
Launch of the D2N2 Growth Hub – a free and impartial support and advice service for businesses across the D2N2 area, which has helped over 6,000 businesses to date.

Peter also led each of D2N2’s five previous annual conferences and AGMs. The D2N2 Annual Conference on July 24 will be his last with the LEP. The formal handover to Elizabeth will take place at the conference.

Peter said:-

“During my time as D2N2’s Chairman, I’ve seen a lot of change locally, regionally and nationally. The D2N2 area, the East Midlands and the UK as a whole are all very different places from when I first took the role.

“Elizabeth will face a completely different set of challenges from those I faced as I helped bring together and lead a team of people who are helping the D2N2 area be the best that it possibly can be, meeting adversity with solutions and ensuring that the region makes the most of every opportunity.

“I stick true to my belief that, now more than ever, the D2N2 area is the UK’s most inspirational postcode.

“I wish Elizabeth all the very best as she takes over the reins at D2N2. I am confident she is the right person for the job and has the best possible team to support her.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield unemployment figure falls

17th July 2018

The percentage of people out of work in the Chesterfield has fallen according to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Figures for those claiming job seekers in Chesterfield was down with 1,645 claimants recorded down from 1,675 the previous month.

The number of people in work in the East Midlands between March and May 2018 was higher than for the same period last year and two years ago, according to figures released this morning.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed there were 2,285,777 people in work in the region, 30,421 higher than for the same three months in 2017 and 19,977 more than in 2016.

Compared with the same period in 2016, there were 6,245 fewer people unemployed in the East Midlands between March and May 2018 at 100,287.

Unemployment, however, was 10,625 higher in the period this year than it was last year and 1,256 up compared with three months between December and February.

The ONS also reported that unemployment for the region, which was on a par with the national average at 4.2%, was 1,256 higher between March and May this year than was recorded for the December to February period.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“For a long time, the East Midlands has enjoyed fairly robust employment, usually bettering national average figures when it comes to job creation and the percentage of people out of work.

“While it’s too early to suggest trends or talk about economic slumps, the gap between the region and the national picture has been closing in recent months.

“There can be little doubt that Brexit is playing its part in these figures. The clock is ticking and business has yet to receive any useful information from the UK Government or Brussels about what our trading relationship with the EU will be after March next year.

“The lack of guidance is leading to uncertainty, which is bound to manifest itself as we get closer to the deadline, so I think it’s quite reasonable to expect businesses to hold off on investment and recruitment.

“That said, 67% of the firms that completed our second Quarterly Economic Survey of 2018 said they wanted to recruit but many were struggling to find suitably skilled or qualified staff, which suggests there is still an underlying business confidence.

“What is important now is that our Government does not cause that confidence to wan and delivers a Brexit for business instead of constantly bickering about it.”

Other figures released by the ONS this morning show that the claimant count has fallen across the whole of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, down 1,015 to 35,545 in June 2018 compared with the previous month.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

New Chesterfield Campus helps University of Derby nursing courses climb to 11th in the country

16th July 2018

The University of Derby’s Nursing courses have been ranked 11^th in The Guardian University Guide 2019, a climb of 23 places.

This ranking reflects a variety of criteria related to students, such as student satisfaction with their course, teaching, feedback and student-to-staff ratio. Other metrics include gaining employment, spend per student and, new for this year, continuation.

Welcoming these results Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean for the College of Health and Social Care said:-

“We’re delighted to see the hard work of our committed staff resulting in an outstanding student experience which we see reflected in this league table place of 11^th in the country. We have been educating nurses in Derby and Chesterfield for many years and are proud to see so many of our students working in local hospitals, our community and the private and voluntary institutions locally including Ashgate Hospice.

“This ranking reflects the commitment of our clinical practice partners, including Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Derbyshire Health Community Services, who provide 50% of the course through placements. We also recognise the quality of students we see coming from Chesterfield College and other partner Colleges who are inspired and well prepared for their nursing degree with us. Our aim is to continue to enhance the quality of our education and ensure our Nursing degree always has a personal touch.”

“As a University we have been able to increase our student numbers in Nursing at a time when some areas within the UK have seen a reduction. This increase is necessary as a shortage of nurses is evident across the health sector. We need to ensure wide access to our programmes, and clear progression routes for those already working in health and care support roles.

“Healthy and increasing student numbers at the Chesterfield site, St Helena, has a positive impact on the local economy but is also contributing to a more sustainable workforce. Many students live in Chesterfield before commencing their degree, and many are mature, with an average age of around 27, but we are also seeing students commuting in from places like Nottingham and Birmingham. Almost all of the students graduating from our Nursing programmes in Chesterfield are employed locally by Chesterfield Royal Hospital or in community services.

“Enabling wide participation into higher education is important to the University, therefore we engage and work collaboratively with local schools and with Chesterfield College to support and raise aspirations of local people. We will continue to work hard to ensure that The University of Derby in Chesterfield is firmly embedded in the town, working collaboratively and responding to local needs.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Uncover the secrets of Chatsworth this summer

16th July 2018

With schools out for summer, an action-packed programme of entertainment launches at Chatsworth with trails, virtual reality tours and hands-on activities for families to explore the stories behind the £32m 10-year restoration.

‘Chatsworth Renewed’ is the biggest restoration and conservation of the house since the 1820s. With family-inspired activities spread throughout the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the school summer holidays (21 July to 30 August 2018).

Alongside the popular animal handling and heritage craft activities in the farmyard and outdoor games and live band performances in the 105-acre garden, visitors are invited to explore the ‘Chatsworth Renewed’ exhibition dedicated to the restoration project, with hands-on activities to engage children and young people.

Families can explore ‘Chatsworth Renewed’, solve puzzles and uncover fascinating facts about the people involved in building, conserving and looking after Chatsworth. Get hands on in the Inner Court to create their own monumental urn and explore old drawings and artefacts tucked away in sets of drawers around the grand rooms of the house. Baalington Lamb is also hidden throughout the house and will offer a task or fun fact every time he is spotted.

In the garden, the famous head gardener Sir Joseph Paxton from the 1800s who introduced many of the famous landmarks still visible today, such as the Emperor Fountain and Rockery, will be wandering around with his wife Sarah, talking about the historic landscape at Chatsworth and the Cavendish banana, along with plant hunter extraordinaire John Gibson who brought back orchids from India. These costumed character actors will be in the garden every day.

Through the use of virtual reality, there’s even the chance to explore Paxton’s Great Conservatory which took four years to build and was a precursor to Crystal Palace, but had to be demolished in the 1920s due to the huge running costs. VR tours will be available from the Maze.

The nostalgic sound of Patrick Cook’s barrel organ, traditional games such as croquet, giant Jenga and skittles, and free face painting will also be available for visitors near the Maze.

The hugely popular animal handling activities take place in the farmyard this summer, with families invited to pet rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals in the animal handling barn. With two newborn donkey foals arriving in the farmyard in the last few weeks, the first named Summer and the newest arrival named Bramble after a vote by Chatsworth House Facebook followers, there will be even more for children to enjoy. Daily milking demonstrations will also be available to discover how cows and goats are milked. On selected dates, there will be a focus on river creatures that can be found in the river Derwent; making willow creatures using willow weaving and discovering how to turn fleece to wool. A trailer discovery tour to the Golden Gates to see the Chatsworth Estate will run every day from the top yard (small charge applies).

A family house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground ticket is available and offers a half price return visit. For more information on activities, times and prices click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Deadline approaching for Chesterfield Heroes nominations

16th July 2018

The deadline for people to nominate their Chesterfield heroes for an award is fast approaching.

The ‘Our Heroes’ awards are being run by social housing provider Acis, which owns and manages about 7,000 properties across the Midlands and North. The deadline for nominations is 31 July 2018.

There are three categories up for grabs to recognise people making a difference in their local area, and nominations can be from anyone, for anyone, not just Acis customers.

The categories that people can vote for are Garden Guru Award, Wonderful Neighbour/Neighbourhood of the Year Awards and Young Person/People of the Year Award.

Claire Woodward, Head of Marketing at Acis, said:-

“We’re a community-focused organisation, working across a huge geographical area and we know that there’s so many good people and good projects out there. We want to recognise the people who are doing extraordinary things in the communities in which we work.

“Has someone got a beautiful garden, allotment or open space? Do you know someone who goes the extra mile for their community? Are you aware of a young person doing amazing things? This is your chance to nominate them and give them the recognition they deserve.”

For more information about the awards, and to nominate, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield

2018 Food and Drink Awards finalists announced

13th July 2018

The nominations are in and the finalists for the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have been announced, with three eateries vying for the overall title of Restaurant of the Year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, and sponsored by Chesterfield College, the prestigious awards return for the sixth year and recognise the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector.

A total of 27 businesses have been shortlisted across 10 categories, with Blu Bistro & Coffee House, Bottle & Thyme and Cocina at Casa Hotel all hoping to take the top title.

This year 7 of the businesses have been nominated for the first time and 8 are hoping to defend their 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards titles.

As well as some of Chesterfield’s best loved venues, three of Chesterfield’s newer cafes, restaurants and pubs are also shortlisted for one of the coveted awards. Ciuri Ciuri, Crafty Dog and Pump & Grind are all recognised in the Best Newcomer category.

All of the shortlisted businesses were nominated by members of the public earlier this year. A panel of judges will now visit each shortlisted business to sample food, drinks and service in order to determine the winner in each category.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said:-

“The people of Chesterfield really got behind the nomination stage to enable us to recognise more businesses than ever in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“The variety of businesses both nominated and shortlisted each year is a reflection of how the sector is not only growing but thriving.”

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, hosted by celebrity chef Lesley Waters, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on 31 October later this year.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Bottle & Thyme
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café
Qoozies
Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year

The Market Pub
The Fox & Goose Inn
The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms
Junction Bar
Rose & Crown at Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri
The Crafty Dog
Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme
Junction Bar
Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith
Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross
The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross
The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41
Einstein’s
Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters
Mason’s Coffee Lounge
The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year

Casa Hotel
Proact Stadium
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

At the awards in October, winners of a further five categories will also be announced, including Food Producer, Young Chef, Food Hero and two new categories – Apprentice and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Hoods Florist, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

University of Derby ranked among best universities in Europe

12th July 2018

The University of Derby has been ranked in the top 100 institutions in Europe for teaching excellence in the Times Higher Education Europe Teaching Rankings 2018.

The new rankings, which focus entirely on teaching and learning, strive to uncover richer and deeper insights into global higher education, with indicators focused around four core performance pillars: resources, engagement, outcomes and environment.

Data has been taken from a variety of sources including the UK Higher Education statistics Agency (HESA) and the European Student Survey, which examines a range of key issues including students’ engagement with their studies, interaction with teachers, quality of services at the institution and their opportunities to develop skills which help prepare them for a career after university.

The University of Derby is ranked above the median for all UK higher education institutions for all of the 12 questions asked in the survey.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:-

“At the University of Derby we have innovative teaching and learning at the heart of the student experience, so to be recognised among the top institutions in Europe for teaching excellence is outstanding news.

“What we teach and the way we teach it is designed to ensure all our students benefit from academic challenge, outstanding facilities and relevant work experience opportunities, which ensure upon graduating they are best placed to realise their goals and aspirations.

“We take the quality of teaching at Derby extremely seriously and this was recognised recently by winning the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year Award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards, as well as being awarded a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.”

The Times Higher Education rankings only includes universities in countries that are a full member of both the European Higher Education Area and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and that are classified as a “developed economy” by the United Nations.

At least 50 valid survey responses were required for a university to be included in the rankings.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Entries are now open for the 2018 Derbyshire Times Business Awards

11th July 2018

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards return to Chesterfield this November 15 for their 10th year. Nominations are now being taken for the awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce.

Entries can be submitted for any business within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. The awards span across a range of categories from Small Business of the Year to Customer Service Award, Retailer of the Year to the most sought after 2018 Business of the Year Award.

Phil Bramley, Editor of the Derbyshire Times, comments:

“Businesses are the lifeblood of our community, they provide the jobs we need so we can do the things we love – raising families, putting down roots and growing communities.

“The Derbyshire Times business awards are a chance to shine a glowing spotlight on the fantastic work local businesses do day in, day out – highlighting their innovation, their dedication, their talent.

“They are a way of honouring the cream of north Derbyshire’s commerce and industry, raising the profile of companies, celebrating achievement and recognising the sheer hard work that their staff put in to make them what they are today.

“We really want to make the awards a true celebration of the brilliant businesses in our community – so please make sure you get involved and put forward your achievements so they get the full recognition they deserve.”

Winners from last years awards include Casa Hotel, and Paul Beeson from Shorts Chartered Accountants.

The high profile awards, sponsored by a range of Chesterfield business including Banner Jones Solicitors, The University of Derby, Shorts Chartered Accountants, BHP Chartered Accountants, Learning Unlimited and Mitchells Chartered Accountants, offer organisations a platform to celebrate their success whilst providing an opportunity raise their profile and enhance their reputation.

More information and entry forms can be found by clicking here. Final entries must be made by September 20.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Apprentice vacancies available at new Chesterfield development

11th July 2018

Four aspiring tradespeople could soon commence their construction careers as triple HBF 5 star housebuilder, William Davis Homes announces vacancies at its Skylarks development in Chesterfield.

Young people aged 16 and over from Chesterfield and the neighbouring area are encouraged to apply for the trade apprenticeships currently available with William Davis Homes. In partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield College, the company is offering placements for an apprentice bricklayer, joiner, electrician and painter/decorator to work on its Skylarks development on the northern edge of the Derbyshire market town.

Gary Long, Apprentice Manager at William Davis Homes, commented:-

“We’re pleased to announce we’re seeking four new recruits specifically from the Chesterfield area as part of our commitment to offering local labour opportunities. This is a significant chance for young people to make a tangible difference to their community, while at the same time developing a life-long career path. Our apprentice scheme has been running for more than 50 years and has won many awards, so aspiring apprentices can be assured of first-class training.”

Applications for the William Davis Homes apprenticeships will be open until Friday 20^th July and can be accessed by contacting the Learning Unlimited Team at Chesterfield College on 0345 850 1055 or via the Find an Apprenticeship service (www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) . Successful apprentices will be mentored on site at Skylarks by William Davis Homes’ directly employed apprentice masters and complete their academic training at Chesterfield College to achieve a minimum NVQ Level 3.

Cllr Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“It is really important to us that local residents benefit from the jobs and training opportunities created by developments taking place within the borough. That is why we launched the Apprentice Town initiative which aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and encourage the education, business and learning sectors to work with us to deliver more apprenticeship opportunities for local people.

“So we are really pleased that William Davis is offering apprenticeships to people who are interested in having a career in the construction industry. The skills they learn will set them up for good quality careers.”

David Higham, Commercial Director at Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group, added:-

“The apprenticeship opportunities on offer from William Davis Homes give local people a fantastic way to develop a career in construction. It’s clear the company has a huge commitment to investing in people and growing them through training and it’s this approach which really benefits apprentices and employers. We’re proud to be working in partnership with them through the Apprenticeship Town initiative and look forward to recruiting and working with the new apprentices.”

William Davis Homes has been actively working with Chesterfield Borough Council to support local labour initiatives for almost a year; speaking at conferences, conventions, a meet the buyer event and in schools; acting as an enterprise advisor at Outwood Academy; and awarding contracts to local suppliers where possible. Its Skylarks development was opened last month (June 2018) to offer house hunters a superb choice of two to five bedroom homes.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development

University of Derby celebrates 100 years of the RAF

11th July 2018

The University of Derby’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, this week attended a historic celebration for the Royal Air Force as the service’s 100^th anniversary events come to a head in central London.

To mark the centenary, tens of thousands of spectators filled London’s Royal Parks and the Mall as 100 RAF aircraft from the past century came together in a flypast over Buckingham Palace.

As a forces-friendly organisation, the University is a patron of the RAF 100 Appeal’s commemorative album, 100 Years of the RAF, and Professor Mitchell was invited to attend a special book presentation hosted by publisher St James’s House in association with the RAF100 Appeal.

Professor Mitchell said:-

“The University of Derby is working to support veterans across a range of areas, in recognition of the valuable contribution members of the services make. We are proud to play a part in commemorating the achievements of the RAF and those who have served, as well as celebrating the vital work the RAF continues to undertake.”

In November 2017, the University signed The Armed Forces Covenant – a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Organisations sign the Covenant to confirm publicly that they recognise the value that members of the Armed Forces community contribute to society. The Covenant encourages them to develop a relationship with those who work in their business or access their products or services.

More recently, the University used a grant of around £19,000 awarded by the Local Grant Covenant Grant Fund to run events for veterans wanting a new career in the health and social care sector. Workshops were delivered at two Armed Forces family days held by the University this summer, along with stalls advising on support and opportunities for service personnel and their families.

100 Years of the RAF is a hardback book featuring a wide selection of imagery from the RAF Museum’s extensive archives.

Find out more about the University of Derby signing of the Armed Forces Covenant here

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield business works with local artist to raise awareness about plastic pollution

10th July 2018

Chesterfield company Kakou CIC has teamed up with local Chesterfield artist Lucie Maycock to create a sculpture of a whale made entirely from plastic bottles, as part of the Ocean Life exhibit at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery.

36 million plastic bottles are used by households in the UK every day. They work themselves into just about every aspect of our daily lives. The popularity of plastics is part of a huge problem and our dependence on them makes recycling and reusing plastic bottles essential for the health of the planet.

Beginning in March, the local public joined Lucie to help produce the sculpture during three workshops held at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery and the Pavements Shopping Centre.

The “Ocean Life” exhibition will run alongside the current Park Life exhibition at the Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery. Ocean Life aims to raise awareness about plastics pollution, describes the impact of micro-plastics on the ocean environment, and provides examples of simple actions individuals can take at home to prevent plastic from ending up in the sea.

Rachel Fannen, Collections Officer at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery said:-

“Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery naturally jumped at the opportunity to support Kakou’s 2018 campaign to raise awareness about the dangerous impact of plastic on our world but most especially on marine environments.

“Kakou’s 2018 British Science Week project raised awareness by creating a plastics sculpture through local art workshops facilitated by artist Lucie Maycock.

“Chesterfield Museum is very proud to display the finished sculpture which will be accompanied by a display explaining the devastating effect of waste plastics on our planet.”

The exhibition runs from the 7th July and more information can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting