Business

Employment trend remains positive

15th June 2016

The number of people in work in the East Midlands increased by 15,037 and the number of people out of work fell by 2,804 in the three months to April, according to figures released this morning.

The latest regional employment bulletin from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that between February and April, there were 2.27 million people in jobs and 106,203 people unemployed across the region.

The region’s unemployment rate has fallen to 4.5%, well below the national average of 5.1%.

In terms of Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) claimants, there was a monthly decrease of 550, to 31,000 across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in May, and there were 4,295 fewer claimants across the three counties than there were in May 2015.

In Chesterfield there were 1,115 claimants in May 2016, which is 25 fewer than the figure reported in April (1,140) and 210 lower than the same month last year (1,325). The current percentage of the population claiming the benefit stands at 1.7% and is below the national average of 1.8%.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber*, said: “The latest employment figures for the region are once again positive and show that, in spite of the political paralysis we are seeing as the EU Referendum campaign nears its conclusion, businesses here in the East Midlands continue to grow.

“From a business perspective, the referendum debate has been a shouting match, heavy on hyperbole but light on the sort of cool-headed information and mature argument that local business leaders required.

“While the views of individual business people differ on whether Britain should vote Remain or Leave, their disappointment with the tone and conduct of the campaign is near-universal.

“So, too, is their frustration about everything that has been put on hold while Westminster has indulged its European obsession, which has crowded out everything else and has meant that other issues have barely got a look in.

“This inertia has set in at precisely the time that tough decisions need to be made in the interests of the country, its businesses and its economy, such as airport expansion, finalising the eastern leg of HS2 and the devolution of powers to regions, including the Midlands Engine.

“Regardless of which way the country votes next week, our leaders will need to demonstrate that they are ready to make some of the big choices that have been put off for too long, including finance for investment, skills provision and the delivery of first class digital and transport infrastructure, and do whatever it takes to get Britain back to business.”

* East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Derbyshire

15th June 2016

The Diocese of Derby has announced the full itinerary for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to Derbyshire taking place over three days from 21-23 June 2016.

Accompanied throughout the three days by the Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern, the Archbishop of Canterbury will travel to the south, north and east of the county to witness the opportunities and challenges in Derby Diocese.

On 22nd June the Archbishop will speak at a business networking event taking place at St Thomas’ Centre in Brampton, Chesterfield from 4.00pm. The focus will be on the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate followed by a question and answer session.

On the same day the Archbishop will also deliver a keynote speech to support Derby Diocese’s aim to encourage closer partnerships at a Social Projects lunch held at St.Barnabas Centre, Danesmoor, from 12.30pm. As well as meeting networks of Credit Unions, Foodbanks and Citizen Advice Bureaus, the lunch centres on the importance of working in partnership to provide support. He will have lunch at the Feeding Derbyshire Super Kitchen, the project which uses surplus food from supermarkets to provide affordable meals to the community.

Bishop of Derby, Alastair Redfern said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury on his first pastoral visit to the East Midlands. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the important work being carried out across Derbyshire as we look to face the challenges together. We hope his visit will inspire many more to get involved in making our communities stronger whether through their church, workplace, social group, school or college.”

The Archbishop carries out two to three pastoral visits to dioceses a year, where he has a chance to witness the mission and ministry going on and to encourage them in their work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield architects named as one of the best in the UK

13th June 2016

Local practice WCEC Architects has been named a top UK architectural practice, according to the AJ100, an industry survey compiled by leading publication Architects Journal.

Alex Wall, Managing Director of WCEC Architects, said: “This has been another positive and progressive year for WCEC with a record high turnover achieved at the end of last year. Our success is enabling us to invest and strategically position ourselves in new and growth market sectors to further ensure our long-term sustainability.”
“As well as consolidating our reputation in traditional sectors such as retail, the last year has seen WCEC further its status as a trusted designer of major urban residential, student living and mixed use schemes across the UK.”

“Our participation in high-profile projects, such as Middlewood Locks in Salford, is testament to WCEC’s growing reputation as a major force in UK architecture.”
The Architects Journal has surveyed UK practices for its definitive AJ100 rankings since 1995, offering insight into the sector’s performance and gauging the industry’s optimism for the year ahead. The Gala dinner and awards dinner took place on the 8th June at the Tower of London where the top architects and award winners were announced.

Posted in Business

Support local business growth by sharing your views

9th June 2016

Time is running out to to influence local, regional and national government and decision makers by completing the Sheffield City Region Quarterly Economic Survey – due to close on Monday 13th June 2016.

Sir. Nigel Knowles, Chair of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership comments: “We need your views so we can champion what will help your business now and tomorrow.

“Shaping policy, ensuring that businesses can compete domestically, globally and securing prosperity and a good return for the local community are core to our mandate. I am convinced that hard data, contemporary commentary, case studies and testimonials should influence strategy and inform the Sheffield City Region’s approach to local, regional and national decision makers and foreign direct investors.

“The Quarterly Economic Survey is vital in shaping our policy and support for local businesses – it takes only minutes to complete and will be time well invested.

“I strongly encourage firms in the Sheffield City Region to get online, take the survey, share their feedback on important issues affecting their business and then track how we get things done and help address their needs from improved broadband connectivity, diluting skills shortages to enhancing international trade relations. If we know the challenges, issues and opportunities, we can work as partners to deliver and be accountable for doing so.”

The Chairman confirmed that the survey results will be used by the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Local Enterprise Partnership and the chambers in Barnsley and Rotherham, Doncaster, the East Midlands, and Sheffield to: help set the mandate for their work, provide the right business services, and to lobby local, regional and national Government and decision-makers on issues affecting business.

The SCR quarterly economic survey is sponsored by RBS South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and the results are fed into the national Quarterly Economic Survey, run by the British Chambers. The survey acts as an economic indicator and is used by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee as a key benchmark when setting interest rates.

The Sheffield City Region Quarter 2 Economic Survey is open until Monday 13th June and can be completed online at www.screconomy.org.uk.

Posted in Business

Next phase of development underway at Spire Walk

9th June 2016

Henry Boot Developments have started work on the site infrastructure for the next phase of development at Spire Walk. Once this phase is complete, the site will be handed over to Perrys Motor Group who will construct their new dealership facility.

Chesterfield Borough Council granted planning consent to Henry Boot Developments Limited to develop a new car dealership facility earlier in the year.

Fronting the A61, Spire Walk is situated on the former Donkin Valve Works site and includes a range of mixed uses, including retail, a new Community Fire station for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and office buildings. The car dealership is the final piece of the jigsaw and concludes the redevelopment of the former Valve Works.

Justin Sheldon, Senior Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, who is responsible for the site commented: – “The success in obtaining planning permission for this development is the result of hard work by our professional team. It will be great to see this gateway site completed as Spire Walk is the first, highly prominent, development that is seen when travelling from the M1 to Chesterfield.”

In addition, Henry Boot Developments will also install lighting and CCTV around the skate park area close to the site together with other improvements to footpaths which link the site to the town centre.

Posted in Business, Development

Plans submitted to revitalise Chesterfield’s old Post Office

8th June 2016

Plans have been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council to turn former grade 2 listed Post Office into residential apartments and new commercial space.

Working alongside national developers, Telereal Trillium, local architects WCEC have submitted plans to build 7 luxury apartments across the first and second floor whilst plans for the ground floor will include a large commercial unit with a rear communal courtyard.

A dual planning application for listed building consent and planning permission with change of use will soon be under consideration by the council. The team have been working closely with Telereal Trillium, heritage / conservation planners, Trigpoint and agents FHP to ensure the scheme enhances the buildings original features, sustains a commercially viable development and meets with the current residential housing market specification in order to further improve the town’s historic market square.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at WCEC Architects commented ‘We are privileged to be working with Telereal Trillium on such a fantastic local scheme. Following recent redevelopment of the town and future plans to regenerate the surrounding areas through schemes such as Chesterfield Waterside and the Northern Gateway we feel proposed plans for the landmark will contribute perfectly and revive a beautiful building that has been partially vacant for a number of years’.

If approved the scheme will be a further example of WCEC’s contributions to the local market town following successful work with the council on plans for future development of Chesterfield through a revised masterplan.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Up to £2m available for Chesterfield businesses to grow

8th June 2016

Growth funding worth up to £2 million could be loaned to ambitious businesses looking to expand and create more jobs, as part of a D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) opportunity launched today (June 8) aimed at boosting the economy.

D2N2 – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, community and social enterprises, and other organisations which promote economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – is inviting applications to its Growing Places Fund (GPF).

GPF enables businesses and public sector organisations (for example, local authorities) to apply for loans to kick-start stalled capital developments or expansion plans, which will directly grow the economy and create jobs.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We have already seen a great deal of success with the Growing Places Fund, providing more than £16m to help small and larger businesses access the missing finance they need, to grow and create additional jobs.

“Factors we will be looking at when making a decision on the GPF applications we receive will be the economic impact of the project and how quickly investments can be repaid, so we can support other projects.”

D2N2 has previously run three GPF funding rounds, approving 13 loans worth a total of £16.6m. Major capital projects which have benefited include Derby City’s Castleward housing and commercial development, and the MediCity Enterprise Zone site in Nottingham.

Now further opportunities to apply for a Growing Places Fund loan, to support additional capital projects, are being made available by the D2N2 LEP.

Individual loans to companies or organisations will be between £250,000 and a maximum of £2 million, and must be to finance capital (building and infrastructure) to help further businesses’ development.

Funded projects must be located within the D2N2 LEP’s area; covered by the administrative boundaries of Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County local authorities.

Funding is limited and preference will be given to projects which deliver on D2N2’s strategic priorities and key areas of economic focus. More information on these is available on the D2N2 LEP website at www.d2n2lep.org and in its Strategic Economic Plan (a copy of which can be viewed online at web link www.d2n2lep.org/write/Documents/D2N2_SEP_March_31st.pdf ).

More information on the Growing Places Fund and guidance on how to apply for this funding can be found on the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership website now at www.d2n2lep.org/GPF

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

International trade and investment on the agenda for Sheffield City Region

7th June 2016

Business leaders from across the Sheffield City Region (SCR) are preparing to attend the world’s largest business festival – the International Festival for Business (IFB 2016), taking place in Liverpool from 13 June to 1 July.

Participants from across the region will have the opportunity to meet with business leaders from across the UK and around the world to discuss the many valuable trade and investment opportunities that the SCR has to offer.

The IFB 2016, which is free of charge to participants, will comprise over 75 events, 85 international delegations, and 40,000 delegates (including 10,000 international visitors). The festival, taking place at Liverpool’s purpose-built Exhibition Centre, is an excellent opportunity for UK businesses motivated to grow or trade overseas, and for international companies that want to expand in Britain.

The SCR is committed to supporting IFB 2016 as part of its broader objectives to support the region’s businesses in their internationalisation strategies, and to increase the amount of foreign direct investment into the SCR. The region is recognised for its reliability and its ability to deliver; it has built innumerable global business partnerships driven by an innovative and straightforward approach.

The SCR LEP welcomes meetings with businesses across all sectors during the event. Opportunities for SCR-based business at the IFB 2016 include:

• Three weeks of cutting-edge events, speakers, conferences, seminars and showcases;
• A chance to join the IFB 2016 Business Club for match-making appointments allowing participants to access business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world to explore ideas, network and build partnerships;
• Access to Meet-the-Expert seminars and workshops designed for SMEs with growth and export ambitions;
• Meet your Future Deal, the world’s biggest ‘Meet-the-Buyer’ event with free, one-to-one meetings with buyers, suppliers and investors;
• Meet your Specialist Advisor: free one-to-one appointments with leading industry experts offering bespoke advice
• Live export opportunities;
• Available funding streams for eligible SMEs.

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership said:“The International Festival for Business is a globally significant business festival which the Sheffield City Region is excited to be supporting. We look forward to showcasing to international business leaders all that the Sheffield City Region has to offer – our no-nonsense approach to business and our highly-efficient regulatory systems make the SCR an incredibly attractive place to do business in the UK, and it is time to promote these qualities to the global business community. I hope to see many of the SCR’s business leaders and entrepreneurs at this event – the SCR is standing by to help you and your business make the most of this excellent opportunity.”

William Beckett, Chairman of the International Trade Forum and Export Private Sector Lead for the Local Enterprise Partnership stated: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Sheffield City Region to support IFB 2016 in Liverpool. The Festival offers numerous valuable opportunities for companies to increase their international activities across various sectors of the global marketplace.”

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Take on a static bike challenge for Aviva Women’s Tour

7th June 2016

Chesterfield businesses are invited to enter an Aviva Women’s Tour-themed Workplace Cycling Challenge – for the chance to win three months’ membership at Queen’s Park Sports Centre and a cycling jersey.

Teams will complete in a static bike challenge in front of Chesterfield Town Hall between 8.30am and 1pm on Friday June 17th as a prelude to the Stage Three finish of the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Each team member will complete the equivalent of 250 metres (equal to one velodrome lap) as quick as they can and the team’s times will be combined to give a result.

Teams are to be made up of four people, but a workplace can book in as many teams as they like and the event will be managed by fully-trained staff.

If you are interested, but not able to get together a team of four in your business, please register your interest so you can be paired with other workplaces in the same position.

Three slots for teams will be available for every 20 minutes throughout the event and you can find out more or reserve your place by emailing cathy.hinde@Chesterfield.gov.uk

Stage Three of the Women’s Tour takes place exclusively in Derbyshire, starting in Ashbourne and finishing in Chesterfield, taking in the likes of Buxton (sprint venue), Chelmorton, Flagg, Monyash, Youlgreave, Alport (Queen of the Mountains venue), Winster, Darley Dale (sprint venue), Matlock (Queen of the Mountains venue), Beeley, Chatsworth and Baslow.

Bringing the Aviva Women’s Tour to Derbyshire is part of the long-term push to make Derbyshire the most connected an integrated county for cycling in England by 2030, as outlined in the Derbyshire Cycling Plan.

The county wants to be recognised as a world class cycling destination for all, with more people of all ages and abilities on two wheels on a regular basis for leisure, active travel, commuting and sport.

Find out more about the Women’s Tour Stage 3 finish in Chesterfield where there will be a full day of entertainment and activities.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield Rotary makes history

6th June 2016

Chesterfield Rotary has seen the largest expansion for 36 years following the launch of a new group designed to give young professionals an opportunity to give something back to the local community.

The first ten founder members of the Rotary Satellite Club of Chesterfield (Central) were inducted into Rotary International by Chesterfield Rotary president Ian Gaunt at the club’s latest monthly meeting held at The Manor at Brampton on Wed 25 May 2016. A further four founder members are to be inducted this month.

Chairman and Independant Financial Advisor of the group, Peter Blant said: “My aim as chairman is to get the group established and set the foundations for this group to prosper in the future.

“I have always been a strong supporter of the Rotary movement but have not been able to commit the time during normal working hours. The new group has been designed to cater for people who work and may struggle to commit to a weekly lunchtime meeting so we intend meeting monthly on the last Wednesday of the month at 5.30pm so that people can attend on their way home from work.

“The meetings are very upbeat with lots of energy and good ideas being shared. It has been a great way to make new friends and contacts from the local business community.

“Our main objective is to support local causes in our community and make a difference whilst having fun in doing it. This week we will be providing stewards for the Chesterfield Rotary organised Eckington Classic Car & Bike Show being held at Renishaw Hall in aid of Ashgate Hospicecare, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.”

Also attending the historic induction ceremony were representatives from Rotary Distirct 1220, and members of the Chesterfield club, who welcomed the new Rotarians into the worldwide movement of Rotary International and wish the new club well.

The last significant expansion of Rotary in Chesterfield was in 1980 when the Chesterfield Rotary Club was instrumental in setting up the Rotary Club of Chesterfield Scarsdale.

For more information about the Rotary Satellite Club of Chesterfield (Central) contact its secretary
John.nettleship@brmlaw.co.uk or ring 01246 555111.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Specialists join Sheffield City Region Growth Hub

6th June 2016

Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub has appointed eight business growth specialists with more than 200 years of combined experience from sectors – ranging from creative industries and healthcare technologies to aerospace and rail.

The new service, which has core funding of £4.82m, is designed to be a single point of contact for all businesses across nine local authority areas – including Chesterfield – to access specialist support in key areas, whether that is from one of the eight specialists or from a partner organisation.

The partners include successful companies, consultancies, universities, chambers of commerce and local authorities, and national provision such as Innovate UK and UK Trade and Investment.

Head of the SCR Growth Hub, David Grimes, said: “It’s great to have these eight excellent business people ready and in place to help businesses far and wide to develop and expand. The eight business growth specialists all have different sectoral experience and can go in and help businesses from the word go.

“Everything is coming together for the Growth Hub and we can now start getting some results from businesses. I have great confidence that the people in place are going to be a huge part of that and they can impart their wisdom that they’ve accumulated over the years across the region.”

The Growth Hub offers support across the nine local authorities of Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Doncaster, North East Derbyshire, Rotherham and Sheffield.

The team of eight, appointed because of their backgrounds in a variety of different industries, have knowledge in areas including business planning, culture change, start-up support, leadership and management, and product innovation.

One of the business growth specialists, Antony Davies, has almost 20 years’ experience in business support, and has been managing director, director and co-owner of a successful innovation and enterprise support consultancy business. He has worked as far afield as Russia and Japan and has business experience in both retail and logistics.

Antony said: “It’s great to be given this chance to help businesses small and large to grow and expand. As individuals we all have differing strengths, but together we make a specialist team that is designed to be able to help any business across the region whether that be a brand new start-up or an established company.”

The Sheffield City Region Growth Hub aims to simplify all regional and national support that is available to businesses. It can offer support and advice in innovation, start-up, exporting, skills training, access to finance and growth demand. The Growth Hub can be contacted via telephone or email.

The Growth Hub can be contacted on 03330 00 00 39, emailing growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk or visiting www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk.

Image shows six of the business growth specialists with head of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub David Grimes (front and centre). From left to right; Andy Sorsby, Tim Binns, David Grimes (Head of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub), Jim Goodare, Jim Scott, Jo Flanagan and Antony Davies. Not pictured in the photograph are Marcus Pearson and Robin Watson.

Posted in Business