Business

Chesterfield Champions celebrate new appointment

27th October 2017

East Midlands based crime and regulatory solicitors VHS Fletchers are pleased to announce that local criminal solicitor Denney Lau has joined the Chesterfield crime team in October 2017.

Denney will be a familiar face from Chesterfield, particularly for clients, court users and fellow professionals. He spent the majority of his time as a trainee solicitor undertaking work as a police station representative and crown court litigator. He qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and relocated to Chesterfield, working for two other local practices before joining VHS Fletchers.

During those ten years, Denney has gained significant experience representing clients in the police station and Magistrates’ Court in Chesterfield on a daily basis. His expertise has also been called upon further afield on a regular basis. He has represented clients across the East Midlands as well as in central London.

Denney comments:-

“I believe that every case and every client will be unique in their own way. As a result i directs my attention to providing detailed but relevant advice. I will take the time to ensure that a client understands all aspects of their case and can make an informed decision about decisions they will need to make. This will be true whether a case involves road traffic offences, minor thefts or allegations of sexual abuse, drug supply or homicide.”

The clients of VHS Fletchers will no doubt benefit from this personal touch. Denney has a particular interest in advocacy, including defending his clients in trials. Clients who instruct Denney will hear detailed and persuasive mitigation put forward at sentence. He will take all appropriate steps to secure bail at an early stage of proceedings.

Outside of work Denney is always interested in continuing his education. He has recently completed a Master’s Degree in Legal Practice and successfully completed a Mini MBA in Business Management. He is a keen runner having completed many marathons. He is also a governor at a local school.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Blu Bistro named as Chesterfield’s top restaurant

26th October 2017

Chatsworth Road’s Blu Bistro & Coffee House has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year at the town’s 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Blu has been shortlisted for the prestigious award four years running, however 2017 has seen the family-owned restaurant finally take the top title in the annual competition which is organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Blu was one of 12 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafes and individuals to scoop an accolade across 13 categories in this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2017.

Judges described Blu as a ‘hidden gem’ which far exceeded their expectations. They added: “From the minute we were greeted to the end of the evening the whole experience was a sheer delight. A truly exciting, gastronomic journey. The cooking techniques were outstanding, as were the combinations of flavours.”

One of Chesterfield’s newest bars, Bottle & Thyme, which opened its doors in December last year, celebrated its first year in business with a double award win on the night, scooping the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service.

Delhi 41, based on Sheffield Road on Whittington Moor, also celebrated multiple success on the night when it retained the International Restaurant of the Year title for a record four consecutive years. Since the category was introduced to the awards line up in 2014, Delhi 41 has won every single year. Matlock-based restaurant Stones, also retained its title of Best Out of Town for the second consecutive year.

Celebrity baker and couture cake maker to royalty and the A List, Mich Turner MBE hosted the awards ceremony, which was held on Wednesday 25 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are designed to also be a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students who both prepare the two course menu and serve at the sell-out event each year.

Julie Richards, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as a finalist for the Food and Drink Awards this year and well done to all the winners. It is an honour for the college to play such a big part in this celebration of the local food and drink industry. It is a highlight in our calendar, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the college’s catering and hospitality department and to develop the skills of the students who take part in the preparation of the food and the hospitality for the evening.”

Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success with more new names appearing in the winners roll alongside established names. This is a reflection of how the town’s food and drink scene is both growing and evolving, catering for everyone’s tastes, and mirroring the development of Chesterfield as a whole.”

The winners of the 2017 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Adam Warwick, Head Chef at Blu Bistro & Coffee House: “We’ve been nominated four years running so to finally win is incredible. Teamwork is the key. Everything we do, all 15 of us, we do together. We work as a team and it’s paid off… finally.”

Café and Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Custom Solar

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Emily Chapman, owner of The Lilypad Café and Restaurant, said; “It’s amazing to win. It feels incredible – especially after winning Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016. Never being boring and keeping ahead is the key to success.”

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by arvato

The Market Pub

Demi McLuskey, Manager of The Market Pub, said: “There are seven chefs at the Market Pub who are led by head chef Tracey. We all work closely together which is important in such a small kitchen. We love what we do and we’re all massive foodies; which all helps!”

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

Junction Bar

Michael Walker, Owner of Junction Bar, said: “It’s an amazing achievement ahead of our first birthday in November. Chatsworth Road is on the up and we wanted to introduce a premium bar alongside the real ale offering in the area and it is working very well.”

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Bottle & Thyme

Gavin Grainger, joint owner of Bottle & Thyme, said: “It’s a small, family run business; even our parents are involved. Our main focus is on creating a positive, happy environment for people to come and have a good time – that’s why we have focused on customer service in our first year of opening. We hope we’ve brought something different to Chesterfield’s nightlife. We want to appeal to to a range of ages with our cocktails and live music.”

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Bottle & Thyme

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Stones Restaurant, Matlock

Kevin Stone, Owner of Stones Restaurant said: “We’re striving to do even better and give our guests the best experience. We’re a family run business that is small, approachable and we have amazing food that keeps people coming through the door.”

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – presented by The Chesterfield College Group

Teresa Lambarelli’s

Teresa Lambarelli, owner of Teresa Lambarelli’s said: “It’s fantastic to have a hat trick of wins. Started by my father more than 40 years ago, we were the first pizzeria in Chesterfield. Now we make and supply pasta sauces throughout the UK and have just opened a pasta and prosecco bar on Chatsworth Road. I enjoy what I do and I have loyal customers that return to me time and time again. I have a great team who are helping me succeed and I wouldn’t be achieving such a level of success without them all.”

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by The Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints

Hannah Turner

“The cook off was really intense! Although it went much better than I thought it would and I think that’s the best I have ever done with the dish. I love getting to know different recipes and learning different methods. That’s how I decided on my menu for the judges. I knew it would be fun to make and I would get to try out new techniques.”

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Delhi 41

Azmular Rahman, Manager of Delhi 41 said: “Every year we look forward to the competition to make sure we’re doing the right thing. The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are the benchmark of our success to ensure we’re continuing to do things well.“

Family Friendly – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway

Chris Ioannides, owner of Chesters Restaurant and Takeaway, said: “We’re a family based restaurant and are very proud to win the award. We concentrate on making families and kids feel welcome and try to make it a place where adults can enjoy a drink and children can enjoy playing.”

Conference and Banqueting – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and

Casa Hotel Business Advisers

Adam Yeomans, Casa Conferencing and Banqueting Supervisor, said: “I am delighted to win the award. Most of the success comes from behind the scenes and being attentive to the guests.”

Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel

Paul Maude, Career Pathway Leader Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College Chesterfield College.

On winning his award Paul Maude, whose career has spanned nearly 40 years, said: “It’s a great honour to train the next generation of chefs and see them succeed and qualify. I am emotional and honoured to win the award.”

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, City Taxis, Owen Taylor & Sons, ra Information Systems, Franklin and Sons Ltd, Addooco, Steve Faulkner and Reflections.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure

Annual value of Peak tourism tops £2 billion

23rd October 2017

Tourism’s annual economic value to the Peak District and Derbyshire has broken the £2 billion barrier.

New research reveals that its financial contribution continued on an upward curve in 2016, bringing in 39.9 million visitors. Tourism also now supports almost 28,000 full-time equivalent jobs – an average annual increase of 1.5 per cent since 2006.

The good news was revealed by Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader, Derbyshire County Council, at official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference & Exhibition at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton today (Thursday October 19).

From 2006 to 2016, tourism’s economic value to the area increased by more than a third, or by an average of three per cent year on year.

Over the same period, the number of visitors staying in hotels and B&Bs rose by more than 18 per cent, while overall spending by both staying and day visitors rose by 34 per cent.

“This solid, steady progress is great news for the local and regional economy, and for everyone who lives and works in the Peak District and Derbyshire,” said Councillor Lewis.

“It’s vital that both public and private sectors continue to work together to maximise the number of visitors, investment and high quality jobs that tourism can generate.

“We now need to maintain that strong forward momentum, and will be channelling more resources into helping tourism businesses develop, as well as supporting the food and drink and cultural and arts sectors.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, added:-

“We’re delighted that the area is performing so well and showing sustained growth over a ten-year period in an increasingly competitive global tourism market.

“This augurs well for the future and our long-term plans to develop both the domestic and overseas strands of our marketing activity.”

Keynote speaker was Ben Foster, Managing Director of Sheffield-based The SEO Works, who delivered a masterclass in digital strategies aimed at maximising businesses’ online performance.

Other speakers included Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, who outlined the Peak District National Park Management Plan and Esther Pearson, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, who shared the successes and learning experiences of the South West Coastal Path Pilot Project, part of VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund Year 1 bid.

Andrew Keeling, Director, Hotel Solutions – who completed a major study of hotel and visitor accommodation development potential for the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership in 2016 – highlighted its key findings for the Peak District and Derbyshire.

His analysis flagged up scope for action to develop glamping, pub and cyclist-friendly accommodation, as well as a longer-term strategy in Derby and the need for ongoing upgrading, expansion and innovation to improve the area’s appeal to staying visitors.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane welcomes Europe’s biggest shoe retailer

20th October 2017

Deichmann shoes, Europe’s biggest shoe retailer, will step foot in to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre on 1st November, taking over the former Morrisons unit. The new addition to the shopping centre will bring 12 permanent jobs to Chesterfield.

On 4th and 5th November, the store will host a ‘Spin to Win’ event from 12noon – 2pm where customers will be given the opportunity to Spin the Wheel to be in with the chance of winning discounts, free shoes and merchandise! Customers can also expect limited opening offers of 50% off selected women’s lines.

Shaun Brown, the Operations Manager at Vicar Lane says:-

“Deichmann will be a great addition to the tenant mix here at the centre. It’ll bring a new dynamic and offering to what is currently at the centre and I’m sure it’ll be very popular!”

To coincide with the new store opening, a competition is being held on the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Facebook page where one lucky winner can win a voucher to spend in store. Click here for more details.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

New independent retailer opens in the Shambles

19th October 2017

Another independent retailer has opened their door on the Shambles in Chesterfield.

The Bee Orchid Florist opened its doors on the 18th October and is a family run florist and gift shop.

A spokesperson for the Bee Orchid Florist said:

“We are very happy and excited to be opening our business in the shambles area of Chesterfield as we feel this offers a unique shopping experience and we love the town! Unlike some towns chesterfield has a good selection of independent shops and we feel that our business will fit in well here.”

The shop offers bespoke floral designs and a selection of individual gifts for sale and also stock Wrendale Designs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Development, Visiting

Business events programme announced for Made in Chesterfield

19th October 2017

Engineering and manufacturing businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being urged to ensure that they have the workforce in place for the town’s investment and development boom.

To support businesses within the sector, Made in Chesterfield – the annual month-long festival of engineering and manufacturing which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, is returning for the fourth year running in November.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, Made in Chesterfield 2017 promises to be the biggest and most successful yet with more young people and businesses in the sector taking part than ever before.

A number of free business events are being held throughout November in order to raise awareness of how companies within the sector can maximise opportunities local, nationally and globally

Free workshops, seminars and forums will provide information on available grants and finance to enter new markets at home and overseas as well as address solutions for skills shortages within their business.

Made in Chesterfield will be launched on Thursday 2 November at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse – Britain’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse, which has just reopened following a £1.1 million refurbishment.

The Made in Chesterfield business events include:

2 November Made in Chesterfield launch – Barrow Hill Roundhouse – Organised

by Destination Chesterfield

14 November DIT Masterclass: International e-commerce

15 November D2N2 Support for Innovative Businesses

16 November Annual Business and Manufacturing Seminar – Organised by Natwest, Shorts and Banner Jones

16 November Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum – Organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with United Cast Bar and Natwest Bank

22 November Digital Trade Advice Clinic

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Businesses in manufacturing and engineering are vital to the ongoing success the local economy, more so now that an HS2 station and maintenance depot has been announced for the area. Although 17 years away, preparations for the arrival of HS2 in Chesterfield must begin now. There are 250 new high level skill jobs alone that will be provided at the maintenance depot as well as many others that will be generated within the local supply chain.

“Made in Chesterfield plays an important role in not only raising awareness of the job opportunities within the sector amongst young people and schools, but also in helping businesses get themselves future-proofed and HS2 ready.”

Dr Peter Dewhurst, Head of Strategic Projects at University of Derby, added: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring The Made in Chesterfield festival’s packed calendar of business events. Destination Chesterfield has teamed up with some innovative and high profile companies in the region to provide some really informative and inspiring masterclasses and networking events for businesses. We look forward to celebrating everything that is Made in Chesterfield.”

During the month-long Made in Chesterfield celebration of the sector, the winner of the Manufacturer of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Destination Chesterfield, will also be announced at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards on Thursday 9 November.

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and Placing Futures.

Alongside the business event programme during Made in Chesterfield, there is a separate schools programme, which features events, competitions and tours designed to attract young people to a career in engineering and manufacturing.

Booking details for all the Made in Chesterfield business events

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Employers urged to provide ‘strong work experience’ to young people

18th October 2017

Employers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being urged to provide strong work experience to pupils, so that young people will be inspired to attend school and gain qualifications.

The plea to the business community was made at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference which was organised by Placing Futures Ltd, D2N2 Enterprise Advisor Network, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2 Skills and Employment Board and Destination Chesterfield.

At the conference, which aims to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses, it was revealed that work experience is a ‘postcode lottery’ with less than 50% of schools in the UK providing the opportunity to pupils.

Speaking at the event, Tracey Burnside from Whittington Green School, said: “Schools are under pressure from Ofsted for all pupils to achieve academically. This isn’t right for some pupils who are disengaged with education, however if schools provide them with an alternative non academic route through long term work experience in order to give them employability skills, then the school could be seen to be failing by Ofsted. This presents schools with a real dilemma which needs to be addressed by Ofsted and the curriculum.”

The conference also highlighted the importance of work experience to develop the life skills, confidence and employability of young people with learning disabilities. Nationally, only 6% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment, with this figure dropping to 1.7% in Derbyshire.

Clare Talati from Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, explained: “There is a fundamental focus on academic attainment rather than skills by employers, therefore young people with learning disabilities are missing out on the opportunity to meet with them and demonstrate that they can be hard working and loyal employees.”

Ms Talati called on employers to focus on the capability of young people rather than their learning disability. She urged employers to provide opportunities such as work experience, site visits and talks for young people with learning disabilities.

Introducing the conference Councilor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “With £700million of developments underway and HS2 on the horizon there are many fantastic opportunities for young people in the area. Schools and businesses must work together now to ensure our skills system is aligned with the economy and that jobs go to local people. Although HS2 is 17 years away we need to be getting ready for it now.”

Chesterfield Borough Council ensures that local people benefit from training, employment and supply chain opportunities generated through inward investment and developments in the area, through the inclusion of local labour clauses in contracts. William Davis Ltd, which was speaking at the event showed how this has been put into practice at the Dunston Grange Housing Scheme in Newbold where local young people will benefit from work experience placements, careers talks and apprenticeship opportunities,

Rebecca young, HS2 Ltd’s Skills and Employment Strategy Manager who headlined the speaker line up at conference revealed that businesses within the HS2 supply chain would be required to demonstrate their commitment to three key areas when tendering for opportunities – their provision of and commitment to apprenticeships, employment opportunities for people out of work and engagement with schools.

Schools that wish to work more closely with local businesses, are urged to get in touch with vocational learning consultancy Placing Futures which actively links training providers to schools in Chesterfield and the wider area and forms links with employers to develop relationships that communicate the current requirement of industry for recruiting school leavers into their sectors.

Placing Futures is a partner of D2N2’s Employability Framework which is being delivered (with £300,000 in support) through the Government-backed Careers & Enterprise Company Enterprise Adviser Network, and D2N2. The Framework seeks to address the mismatch between the employability skills that young people are leaving school with or picking up through post-16 training programmes, against those needed by employers.

To learn more about the stronger links that are being built between schools and employers in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area, visit www.d2n2lep.org/skills/d2n2-enterprise-adviser-network

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Free investment summit announced to unlock investment opportunities in Chesterfield

18th October 2017

With £1 billion of developments underway and a HS2 stop and maintenance depot set to be built in Chesterfield by 2033, businesses, investors and developers across the region that want to capitalise on the town’s growth trajectory are being invited to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The free to attend event, which will be held on Thursday 30 November at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield from 8.30am – 12 noon, will give delegates a detailed overview of investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Speakers at the conference include Richard Brown CBE, a Board Member of HS2 and a non-executive member of the Department for Transport Board, Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council and Simon Quin, Director of the Institute of Place Management.

Although 17 years away, delegates will hear at the summit how the town is preparing now for the opportunities that HS2 will bring to Chesterfield. 250 new high level skill jobs alone will be provided at the maintenance depot which will be built in Staveley, as well as many others that will be generated within the local supply chain.

Alongside HS2, representatives from the town’s key developments – Chesterfield Waterside and Markham Vale, will also be attending the summit which is being organised by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Marketing Derby – joint partners in the EU funded “Invest in D2N2” project with a focus on promoting Derbyshire both nationally and globally as the place to invest for growth and quality of life.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be a networking breakfast, exhibition and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the Summit, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership Board Member, said: “Chesterfield’s location and connectivity within the UK gives the town a unique appeal and this has already been recognised by many of those looking to invest. The announcement of a HS2 stop in Chesterfield and nearby maintenance depot have sparked a surge of interest in the town from all types of inward investor, including commercial developers and house-builders both locally, regionally and nationally already.

“There are myriad investment opportunities at a local level and the Chesterfield Investment Summit is the ideal opportunity for potential investors to learn first-hand what these are. HS2 may be 17 years away, however now is the time to tap into the opportunities the railway line will bring. HS2 isn’t just a railway line, it’s a catalyst for growth across the region.”

John Forkin, Managing director of Marketing Derby, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Chesterfield Investment Summit. Chesterfield and the surrounding area has a strong offer and a range of attractive investment opportunities for which the event will provide a useful spotlight.”

Reserve a ticket at the Chesterfield Investment Summit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Schools programme announced for 2017 Made in Chesterfield

17th October 2017

Annual engineering and manufacturing festival aims to educate young people about Chesterfield’s future and past

For the fourth year running, Made in Chesterfield – will be returning this November, bringing hundreds of youngsters from schools throughout North Derbyshire the opportunity to experience, first-hand, 176 years of manufacturing and engineering history.

Around 20 businesses, training providers and visitor attractions within the sector have come together to offer a packed programme of events to nearly 350 year 6 to 13 school children.

Young people with an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths are invited to visit some of the town’s leading organisations within the engineering and manufacturing sector and learn more about the available careers.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the month-long festival in November is designed to show young people and their teachers the modern face of manufacturing and engineering and the many careers and job roles on offer within the sector locally.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, more manufacturing and engineering businesses, training providers and visitor attractions are involved in this year’s Made in Chesterfield than ever before. Modern-day gift maker Urban Flamingo, Paul Mossman Pottery, Brampton Brewery, Penny Hydraulics, Techman Engineering and MSE Hiller are just a handful of businesses that will providing tours, talks and competitions during Made in Chesterfield.

As well as trying their hand at production, youngsters from primary and secondary schools will be taking part in competitions, talks, tours and hands-on workshops during Made in Chesterfield, allowing them to experience for themselves what the face of modern engineering looks like and the many varied job roles now available in the sector.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “More businesses than ever are involved in Made in Chesterfield this year. It is through their involvement that we are able to show young people the changing face of manufacturing and engineering and the career opportunities that exist with the sector.

“It is essential that businesses in the area are able to respond to the opportunities that developments like Waterside, Peak Resort and HS2 will present to them over the next 10 years and they can only do this if they have the workforce with the right skills. Made in Chesterfield is playing a key role in sparking young people’s interest with the sector and ultimately helping local business secure contracts in the future.”

The manufacturing and engineering sector is now more diverse than ever, offering roles in everything from electrical and mechanical engineering to art, design and digital. 186,000 engineers are needed each year nationally to meet the demands of infrastructure projects alone.

Secondary schools in the area who would like to know more about careers within the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector, are invited to attend the free events:

MSE Hiller tour – 31 October and 3 November
United Cast Bar tour – 1, 2, 6, and 9 November
White Rose Armoury tour – 3 November
NLT Training Services workshop visit – 3 and 10 November
Trans-Tronic tour – 3 and 10 November
IKO tour – 7 November
Precision Products UK talk and tour – 7, 8 and 9 November
Brampton Brewery – Science of Brewing – 8 November
Barrow Hill Roundhouse tour – 8 November
Techman Engineering tour – 8 November
Hardcase International Ltd tour – 10 November
Cathelco tour – 10 November
6th Form Manufacturing and Business Seminar – 10 November

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2017’s school events, tours and workshops, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/school-events-secondary-schools/

As well as school visits and events, there is also a packed programme of free business events taking place during November for Made in Chesterfield. For details of the events visit: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/business-events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Helping local companies benefit from housing development

16th October 2017

Local companies are being invited to a Meet the Buyer event to find out how to tender for work connected to the construction of a Chesterfield housing scheme.

William Davis Ltd has planning permission to build 99 homes at Dunston Lane, Dunston. This is the first phase of a larger development which has outline planning permission to build 300 two, three and four bedroom homes in total. Site preparation begins this month to enable work to start on building the homes in January 2018.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, as the planning authority, includes local labour clauses within developments of this kind to ensure developers use local suppliers, have apprenticeships and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies to win this business William Davis and Chesterfield Borough Council will hold a Meet the Buyer event at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, from 3pm to 5.30pm on Thursday 2 November to provide details of a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.

Opportunities include:

Groundworks
Roof tiling
Brickwork
Scaffolding
Plastering
Screeds
Wall insulation
Loft insulation
Windows
Joinery and kitchen fitting
Vinyl flooring
Electrical installation
Electrical appliances
Plumbing and heating
Railings
Fencing
Landscaping
Painting and decorating
Wall tiling
Mastic and sealants
Cleaners

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

“There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“William Davis has worked really closely with the council to ensure that our borough benefits as much as possible from the opportunities that building this new housing estate will bring.

“I would encourage all local businesses to attend the Meet the Buyer event and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces.”

In addition to the Meet the Buyer event William Davis will also be employing apprentices on site and organising work experience opportunities for young people from Chesterfield College and local schools.

Gary Long, M&E and apprentice manager for William Davis, said:-

“The Dunston Grange Development will provide a number of supply chain, employment and training opportunities for the resident and business communities of Chesterfield.

“This event will give the William Davis team an opportunity to engage the local supply chain and also provide details of contract, tendering and employment opportunities arising from the development.”

Anyone wanting more information about the Meet the Buyer session can contact Emily Williams on (01246) 345254 or email emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Leading law firm Banner Jones celebrates success in Legal 500

11th October 2017

Multi-award-winning law firm, Banner Jones, is today celebrating success as it secures its 5^th consecutive year of inclusion in the Legal 500 – an independent guide to the leading law firms in the UK with rankings based on market research and client and peer feedback.

The company is once more recognised for its excellence in its Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence work with the team moving up to a Tier 2 ranking – out of four – while the Family Law team maintain their Tier 3 ranking for a further year.

Simon Wright and Robert Banner, Executive Directors from the specialist Personal Injury team at Banner Jones, were both awarded the prestigious ‘Recommended Lawyer’ status in this year’s guide with Simon praised for being ‘a straight-talker who superbly handles clients and opponents to achieve results other lawyers would die for’.

Meanwhile, Head of the Banner Jones Care team, Helena Downing retained her ‘Recommended Lawyer’ status for the third consecutive year with the guide praising her as a ‘focused and articulate advocate’ with the overall team being recognised for providing an ‘expert service’.

From its HQ in Chesterfield and offices in Sheffield, Dronfield, Nottingham and Mansfield, Banner Jones offers a range of legal services to individuals and businesses as well as wealth management.

Chris Sellars, Executive Director of Banner Jones, adds:-

“The Legal 500 is hugely respected within our industry and we are delighted to see our Personal Injury team move up through the rankings in recognition of the exceptional service that they provide to their clients.

“Customer service is at the heart of our entire approach at Banner Jones. We are constantly investing in new ways to improve the customer experience – which is reflected in the fact that 97% of our customers say they would recommend us to a friend – and are proud to have a team of such highly experienced and dedicated individuals to draw on.

“2017 has seen the company continue to grow, as our reputation for providing quality legal advice sees more and more clients turn to us for help and guidance, and it is therefore fantastic to have these achievements recognised by industry experts and our peers.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business