Business

Packed Made in Chesterfield programme to inspire young people

31st October 2016

The town’s annual celebration of its manufacturing and engineering sector, Made in Chesterfield, kicks off in November.

Organiser, Destination Chesterfield is working with schools to get involved and help ignite their pupils’ interest in the sector.

The popular month-long festival will once again bring businesses, primary and secondary schools and training providers together to showcase the sector to school children across north east Derbyshire.

More local engineering and manufacturing firms than ever have signed up to offer students a chance to tour their facilities and try their hand at a range of activities in a bid to spark their interest in a career in the sector.
Sparks are expected to fly at United Cast Bar where students tour its foundry, while virtual sparks will fly at NLT Training Services in Brimington as students try out its state-of-the-art welding simulator.

Other manufacturing businesses offering secondary school experiences include MSE Hiller, Brampton Brewery, Cathelco, Techman Engineering, Palamatic, Trans-Tronic and Precision Products UK, while Mintdale Engineering and Krantech have organised tours for primary schools at their facilities.

Manager of Destination Chesterfield, Dom Stevens commented: “This year there are more businesses involved in Made in Chesterfield than we’ve ever had before, so there is a wealth of opportunities for schools to get involved.
“Chesterfield has a rich heritage of manufacturing and engineering and it’s important that we encourage inspiring young people to consider a career within it to ensure the sector not only survives, but thrives.”
To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2016’s school events and workshops go to: http://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/

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Placing Futures, NLT Training, Department of International Trade, East Midlands Chamber, the University of Derby and Positive 4 Young People.

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

Cocina takes Restaurant of the Year title for the second year running

27th October 2016

Cocina at Casa Hotel has taken the top title in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards for the second year running.

The 2 Rosette, 4-star restaurant was one of 13 winners announced at the town’s fourth annual Food and Drink Awards, which were held on Wednesday 26 October at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building.

Judges described their dining experience at Cocina as ‘a great experience and a fantastic meal. The professional staff offered good customer service. Food was presented with flare and creative style that worked well and the menu was innovative with great choice.’

In addition to the prestigious Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year title the four-star hotel, which is owned by local entrepreneur Steve Perez, also scooped the Conference Venue of the Year title at the glittering awards ceremony.

Other winners to retain their title at the 2016 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include, Delhi 41 which has been Best International Restaurant of the Year in 2014. 2015 and 2016, and The Red Lion Bar and Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel which retained its Gastro Pub of the Year title for a second year running.

Simon Davidson of R P Davidson cheese Factor took the coveted Food Hero title at this year’s awards. Simon joined the family business based in Chesterfield Market Hall 30 years ago after leaving the army. He remains there today where he now runs the business and is a familiar face and voice on the market as well as in the town.

In total 14 food and drink establishments, producers and individuals were named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef and couture cake maker to royalty and the stars, Mich Turner.

Mich Turner said: “There is clearly a cornucopia of food talent in Chesterfield, and the Food and Drink Awards brought us a banquet! I was thrilled to see the emerging taskforce in the town’s food and drink sector actively involved in the awards ceremony as well as those who have established family businesses. What a wonderful awards ceremony – an inspiration and celebration of the past, present and future.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with Chesterfield College, more than 100 hospitality students prepared and served the food on the evening for 250 guests at the events which, once again, was a complete sell-out.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said: “The Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the talent and commitment that goes into making our local gastronomic industry great. Every year this celebration helps us to inspire our catering and hospitality students and apprentices to become future award winners. Their involvement in competing for young chef of the year or cooking and serving guests at the event allows them to showcase what they are capable of to the best employers in the area.”

Organiser of the awards Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards were a runaway success. This year we had more nominations than previous years and also more businesses put forward for the awards, which is testament to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene. The support across Chesterfield has been phenomenal, with people keen to see the town, and the businesses and people working within its hospitality sector succeed and grow.”

Check out the full list of winners

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

Global Brands brings business back to its roots in Derbyshire

26th October 2016

Building on the already significant local workforce, this new investment will create an additional 25 new jobs and support the ongoing regeneration of the Clay Cross Area.

Founded by Chairman Steve Perez in 1997, Global Brands is now the leading independent drinks business in the UK. Since its launch, with the popular student brand VK, the company has added many household names to its portfolio including; Hooch, JungFrau, Amigos, Hoopers, and most recently, the award-winning Franklin and Sons premium soft drinks, tonics and mixers.

As former Derbyshire Times Entrepreneur of the Year, Steve has always been passionate about supporting the local area and says, “Society and the drinks industry will continue to change, but ensuring that our business impacts positively on the world around us is at the heart of everything we do. We are thrilled to be bringing our whole operation back to its roots in Derbyshire. The added floor space allows us to meet the increased demand from our customers now as well as support our future expansion plans”.

The newly acquired depot is centrally located, has good accessibility to major roads, and strong transport links, all of which significantly boosts Global Brands logistics and efficiency. The site is also ideally situated a short distance from the company’s headquarters on the 5th floor of the award-winning Casa Hotel. Voted the 5th best hotel in the UK on Trip Advisor in 2015, and also owned by Steve Perez, Casa prides itself on employing staff from the local areas. Over 200 people are now employed by the combined businesses, more than 40 of whom have been with the company for 5 or more years.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said, “It is great to see Chesterfield Champions, Global Brand’s further investment in North Derbyshire with their new warehouse in Clay Cross. This will create new jobs in the economy and is the latest in a growing number of high profile logistics investments due to the strong transport links of the area.”

The 6 acre plot will also support the future expansion plans of the independent drinks business. As the premium soft drinks brand Franklin & Sons continues to grow within the UK, Global Brands also has a growing export offering. It now exports to over 45 countries worldwide across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and North America. global-brands-clay-cross

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Saltergate multi-storey refurbishment begins as part of £20 million Northern Gateway Scheme

25th October 2016

The work being carried out is preparatory work before a full refurbishment of the Saltergate multi-storey car park begins early next year.

Users of Saltergate multi-storey car park should expect some disruption as essential work takes place.

The work will begin at the Chesterfield Borough Council car park on Monday 7 November and is expected to last for three weeks. There will be fewer spaces on offer while the work takes place and floors will be closed during the period.

Spaces will be available for blue badge holders during the work.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “We are sorry for the disruption that will be caused while the essential work is carried out at Saltergate multi-storey car park.

“It is essential that the work is carried out as soon as possible. We have made every effort to keep the car park open and this work will be complete to allow shoppers to park there in the run up to Christmas. “We will contact permit holders to make them aware of alternative parking options.”

The full refurbishment in the new year will increase the number of spaces from 408 to 529 as well as to make the building more appealing for use by shoppers and commuters as part of the Northern Gateway scheme.

This is the first stage of the £19.9 million revised project that seeks to regenerate the northern part of the town centre and will see environmental improvements to Elder Way and part of Knifesmithgate and the building of a new enterprise centre on the site of Holywell Cross car park.

The scheme also includes the £10.5 million redevelopment of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way by Central England Co-operative and developers Jomast.

Posted in Business, Development, Leisure, Visiting

New retailer opens on Chatsworth Road

25th October 2016

Cockayne’s Gift Emporium has recently opened on Chatsworth Road.

The new shop is all about local, home made, hand made products with 26 stockist in total from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire including items such as clocks, jewellery, art, clothing and furniture.

Opened by local artist Matt Cockayne, who runs Goo Design which creates unique art of local places in and around Sheffield and recently created the Henderson’s Relish Elephant for the Herd of Sheffield which sold for £11,300.

All the fixtures and fittings were bought from Ashgate Hospice and they donated nearly £1000 in total as they wanted to support a local charity.

Matt said “I’m hoping to get my art recognised in Chesterfield as it has in Sheffield and thought the best way to do this was to open a shop as I have lived here for 7 years now and settled into town life.”

“Cockayne’s is all about making shopping an experience rather than a chore, all our stock is home made by local people and you can enjoy a hot drink and some homemade cake while you browse what’s on offer from a large selection of stockist.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Visiting

Volunteers celebrated at awards ceremony in Chesterfield

21st October 2016

Local volunteers were celebrated at the prestigious Voluntary Sector Awards hosted by the Volunteer Centre at The Pomegranate Theatre this week.

The awards celebrated an individual or an organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering in the area.

Kevin Redfearn, of Ashgate Hospice, was crowned Volunteer of the Year whilst Young Volunteer of the Year went to Khadiza Arif of Gussiez Kitchen and Bluebell Wood, who was recognised as a volunteer – aged under 25 – who has shown commendable dedication to a voluntary organisation.

There were three Organisations of the Year winners, based on different income categories from under £25k, to over £25k and over £100k and they were awarded to Accessible Derbyshire, Loundsley Green Community Park and Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Credit Union respectively.

Deanne Calladine of Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service (DAAS) won the Special Award for a long service staff member for making a major impact and for devoting time and energy to achieving sustained positive change. The Special Award for long service volunteer went to Dr Louise Jordon of Helen’s Trust.

Category sponsors for the awards included Chesterfield Champions – UKATA, Brampton Brewery and Chesterfield College.

A full list of winners can be found below:

Young Volunteer Of The Year Award (sponsored by Unison)
Khadiza Arif – Gussiez Kitchen / Bluebell Wood

Volunteer Of The Year Award (Sponsored by UKATA)
Kevin Redfearn – Ashgate Hospice

Volunteer Team of the Year (sponsored Brampton Brewery)
Springwell Community Arts

Volunteer Long Service (sponsored by Miteccad)
Dr Louise Jordon – Helen’s Trust

Staff Long Service Award (Sponsored by Public Health)
Deanne Calladine – DAAS

Most Innovative Project (Sponsored by Inspec Solutions)
Independent Living Group – Fairplay

Organisation of the Year – Under £25k (Sponsored by Octantis Ltd)
Accessible Derbyshire

Organisation of the Year – Over £25k (Sponsored by NEDDC)
Loundsley Green Community Trust

Organisation of the Year – Over £100k (Sponsored by Chesterfield College)
Chesterfield & NE Derbyshire Credit Union

Outstanding Contribution (Sponsored by The Volunteer Centre)
Chris Jones – Dronfield Swimming Club

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

New £6.9 million University Campus brings history and future together in Chesterfield

21st October 2016

The University of Derby’s new £6.9 million Campus on Sheffield Road is another mark of the town’s continuing success in economic regeneration, the Duke of Devonshire said at its official opening on Thursday.

The conversion of the former St Helena Girls Grammar School will offer 21^st Century courses in healthcare, engineering, information technology and business to support the town’s growth. Chesterfield Champions Henry Boot Construction and Frank Shaw Architects worked on the design and construction on the new campus.

The University has long had a presence in Chesterfield, but decided that a dedicated Campus was needed when demand for its highly-acclaimed nursing and public health courses exceeded space in its former base in offices in the Chesterfield Chamber complex.

The sympathetic conversion of the Grade II Listed building on Sheffield Road has retained most of its original features alongside a hi-tech, high spec learning environment for tomorrow’s nurses, engineers and business leaders.

St Helena was ahead of its time even when it was opened in 1911, as architect George Widdows pioneered the use of light and air to create classrooms which put pupils’ needs at its heart. His work was copied all over the world.

Restoring the large number of windows alone cost £1 million, and the Duke reminded guests that one of his family’s famous homes was known as “Hardwick Hall – more glass than wall.”

“I’m not sure that this doesn’t put Hardwick in the shade,” he said. “George Widdows understood the importance of the environment to students, which in 1911 was way ahead of its time.”

The Duke praised Chesterfield Borough Council for embracing the project from the start, adding:-

“The building is something I think Chesterfield, the University and all of Derbyshire should really be proud of. I regard it as another banner of Chesterfield’s success.”

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell said that the University had invested heavily in keeping true to the traditions of the building, but such attention to detail had only been possible with the support of funding partners.

And its opening was the just the beginning of more partnerships in the region in business, engineering and technology as the new campus boasts an Innovation Centre that will allow SMEs to incubate new business ideas, increase their speed of growth and de-risk the process of developing new products.

“We hope to make a big difference to Chesterfield in the future,” she said.

Other facilities at the campus include a mock ward built close to NHS standards with “robot” patients who simulate illness and reactions to drugs, and an immersive suite with giant screens which create the backdrop to situations students will face at work, from the inside of an ambulance to a patient’s home.

Other courses at the Campus – many of which can be studied part-time – include HND Business and Management, BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering and FdSc Information Technology.

The Campus has received investment from partners including £3.48million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, promoting economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Funding and support from the European Regional Development Fund is contributing to the costs of equipment and support of the Innovation Centre at the Chesterfield Campus, which will support innovation and business growth as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in the D2N2 area.

The original panelling, bannisters and even some of the fireplaces have been saved, and the beautiful parquet floors restored.

The original sash windows were restored but with double-glazing to meet energy efficiency targets at a cost of £1 million pounds.

As the only Higher Education (HE) institution in Derbyshire, the University plans to encourage businesses and the workforce to grow in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire by providing new, local progression pathways to higher level skills provisions.

It will also:

raise aspirations and ambition amongst young learners by having a University presence in the town;
encourage more adults to consider self-employment as an alternative to unemployment;
create a more resilient workforce and assist in retaining more young talent in the Chesterfield area.

Research commissioned by the University into the economic impact of its Buxton Campus - which this year celebrates a decade since its official opening – showed that it supported 500 jobs annually through a total spend of £32 million, a result which it is hoped will be replicated in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield Champions nominated for two Derbyshire Times Business Awards

20th October 2016

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has marked a successful 2016 by being nominated for two awards in the upcoming Derbyshire Times Business Awards, with the winners to be announced on Thursday 10 November at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. UKATA has been shortlisted for the Small Business Award, while Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA, has been shortlisted for Business Person of the Year.

The awards mark the culmination of a successful year for Chesterfield Champions UKATA, which has seen the non-profit launch a number of campaigns to help both spread awareness, and combat the risks of asbestos. Some of these highlights have included the recent ‘Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe’ campaign and offering free training services to small businesses.

Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA, said:-

“Being nominated for the Small Business Award is a great endorsement for everyone here at UKATA.

“On a personal level, I am very proud to have been nominated for Business Person of the Year, and I am honoured to be considered alongside some of the other candidates. Credit must again go to the team, whose support over the last twelve months has proven to be invaluable.”

Attendees at the awards ceremony can look forward to a champagne reception, three course meal, including three bottles of wine per table, followed by the awards ceremony, hosted by Sam Ogrizovic, before proceedings conclude with the opportunity to network with likeminded businesses.

Craig continued:-

“I think it’s great to have an award recognising the valuable contribution that local businesses make to the Chesterfield and Derbyshire area.

“Creating a business-friendly culture is imperative for the area’s long-term prospects, and as a business community, making sure everyone is aware of what we’re doing. There are a lot of really impressive businesses and businesspeople operating in this area, and so to be nominated for these awards is a triumph for me personally and indeed everyone who works at UKATA.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards are one of Chesterfield’s highest profile awards. The awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. But winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this by winning a Derbyshire Times Award.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Employment figures continue to be positive

19th October 2016

The number of people in work in the East Midlands has continued to rise, according to figures released this morning.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of people in work in the three months to August 2016 rose by 37,275 compared with the three months to May 2016.

There were 28,423 more people in work in August 2016 than for the same period 12 months earlier and 83,326 more in work than two years ago.

The number of people recorded as unemployed rose 2,079 from 106,469 in the three months to May 2016 to 108,549 in August 2016.

But the longer-term trends show continuing falling unemployment. In August 2015 there were 109,411 people registered as out of work and 12 months earlier the figure was 128,483 – a drop of 863 year-on-year and 19,934 over two years.

Across Chesterfield the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance fell 30 to 1,130 in September from 1,160 in August, and by 10 from 1,140 in September 2015.

The employment rate has risen from 60% to 60.8% and the unemployment rate remains at 4.5%.

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

“The employment figures continue to be very positive – employment is up, longer-term unemployment continues to fall and the claimant count has fallen again.

“There have been various reports out since the EU Referendum which suggested that recruitment was falling as a consequence of the vote to leave the EU. Given those reports, we would not have been surprised to have seen a small rise in unemployment this month.

“But the figures released this morning show that business continues to have the confidence to invest in recruitment despite the uncertainties of Brexit.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Showcasing the strengths of Sheffield City Region

18th October 2016

Business bosses and local authority leaders from Sheffield City Region – SCR – are travelling this week to MIPIM UK, the UK’s largest property event. They will showcase the area and its investment strengths to thousands of influential developers and investors.

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chair of the SCR’s Local Enterprise Board, said:-

“This is a region that knows how to do business, and fast.

“We’ve seen a phenomenal increase in traffic through Doncaster Sheffield Airport thanks to ‘pump priming’ funding put into the M18 link road by the SCR. More than 1,000 jobs have been created by international firms investing across the region in the last year, giving us a huge vote of confidence.

“And we know exactly how we will ensure projects can get up and running without delay as we’ve mapped it all in our ‘Integrated Infrastructure Plan’. We’ll be launching the plan at MIPIM.

“Doing business in the Sheffield City Region is very easy thanks to our dynamic private and public sector partnership. We also offer a bedrock of stability thanks to the £1.3billion devolution deal we negotiated. This guarantees investment for the next 30 years, and means decisions for the Sheffield City Region are made here and not in Westminster.

“We have significant assets ready for investment, a straightforward approach to planning and infrastructure, and committed support for skills, training and business growth. Our Integrated Infrastructure Plan sets ambitious targets on job creation and attracting businesses to the region. We remain firmly committed to this and that is why our offer to investors is so strong.”

Key opportunities which will be showcased this week include:

Peak Resort Development – Peak is a £400 million leisure, health, sport and education resort on the edge of the glorious Peak District National Park and is set to become one of the UK’s flagship tourist attractions.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport – has passenger flights to over 30 destinations worldwide including direct flights to Paris and Berlin, a catchment of almost 5million people, and a strong freight offering. Design and build options are on offer for both hangars and industrial units and there is already planning consent for over 2,000,000 sq ft of commercial development

Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Chair of Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said:-

“Doncaster Sheffield Airport is helping us build a truly competitive centre of excellence in Sheffield City Region. It is a key part of our strategic plan to grow the economy and create more and better jobs for local people.

“Businesses and residents across Sheffield City Region are proud of our fast-growing airport and are embracing the opportunity to get to their destinations more conveniently and more quickly than ever before thanks to the new link road. As our airport continues to grow, more people are travelling to more destinations and are spreading the word about our super-connected region. This makes Sheffield City Region an even greater place for living.”

The Sheffield City Region delegation will be hosting a programme of events to discuss investment opportunities and the support the Region offers in detail.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Plans approved for £2m Coalite development

17th October 2016

Plans to build houses and create jobs at the former Coalite site have taken a step forward now Derbyshire County Council approved £2m to help plug a funding gap.

Funding to redevelop the 140 acre site of the former Coalite coking works, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire district and partly in Bolsover district, was agreed at a meeting of Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Members

Derbyshire County Council has applied for a further £5.8m for the project from D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which is a private sector-led partnership promoting economic growth in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. D2N2 is due to consider the application at a meeting to be held later this year.

The site has remained derelict since Coalite closed down more than 12 years ago and funding is needed to help kick-start its long-awaited regeneration.

Derbyshire County County Leader, Councillor Anne Western said:

“It’s been a long-held ambition of all three councils to clean up the site and put it to good use and I’m pleased we’ve been able to work together alongside D2N2 and developers Bolsover Land Ltd to drive this project forward.

“The site has massive potential to help regenerate the area by boosting the local economy and creating much-needed jobs for local people. And we’ll be offering the experience and expertise we have built in successfully developing the former colliery site at Markham Vale which is now home to 40 local, national and international businesses and has created 938 jobs so far with many more in the pipeline.”

Bolsover Land Limited, a joint venture between redevelopment specialists Marcol and St Francis Group, acquired the site in 2012. Outline planning permission was granted on the site last year for employment use. This will create up to 1,500 jobs and consent for 660 houses, a potential new school, community facilities as given earlier this year.

Councillor Ann Syrett, Leader of Bolsover District Council, said:

“This is excellent news and will be music to our local communities ears. The former Coalite site has long been a blight on our landscape, but this funding will not only clean it up, but will breathe new life into the area, bringing with it much needed jobs and residential development.”

Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, added:

“This project is huge − but we have experience in undertaking projects of this size as we are currently regenerating the former Avenue Coking Works in Wingerworth.

“We have been working with our partners for years to get this site cleaned up and this announcement shows that our plans are not just a pipe dream, but will become reality and help clean up this eyesore.

“We know you can’t do these things on your own, so the importance of partnership working is fundamental in making this scheme become a reality.”

David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, said:

“The Coalite site has great potential, to drive the north Derbyshire and wider economy, which is why we have been working with local partners on gaining significant funding for it from our current £192m Local Growth Fund allocation.”

Work to clear up a number of contaminants on the land is being carried out by Bolsover Land Limited with our help.

Nigel Lax, Development Director for Bolsover Land Limited, added:

“From the outset we’ve had a shared vision with the community to clean up and regenerate the site. The grant funding marks a key milestone and is a fantastic boost to delivering the site’s regeneration.

“With the help of D2N2, Derbyshire County Council, Bolsover Council and North East Derbyshire Council we are confident this will become a benchmark for how the public and private sector can work together to transform a large and challenging industrial site to create hundreds of new homes and jobs.”

Posted in Business, Development