Business

Study into the benefits of HS2 for Chesterfield approved

9th March 2016

A £300,000 grant through the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership will aid feasibility studies looking at proposed HS2 sites in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and how they can best benefit the local economy.

Phase Two of the planned national high speed railway, HS2, will create a track running up from the West Midlands, before splitting into western (towards the North-West) and eastern lines. The eastern line will pass through the D2N2 area; with a proposed East Midlands ‘hub’ at Toton and a major maintenance depot at Staveley, near Chesterfield, before the track continues to Sheffield and the North-East.

The Phase Two route is due to be confirmed by Government this autumn (2016). Trains would not operate on it until 2033 at the earliest, on the current project timetable.

D2N2 has approved funding for feasibility studies looking at both the Toton and Staveley HS2 plans, to see how the maximum economic benefit could be gained for the area from this national rail project.

A £45,000 grant will fund research into the Staveley maintenance depot; which will be responsible for maintaining tracks, bridges, tunnels, signalling and overhead power supply for HS2’s entire eastern line (Birmingham to Leeds). It’s estimated the site could support around 540 jobs directly and a further 700 indirectly, through supply chains.

The work (consultants for which have yet to be selected) will:

help develop the wider HS2 masterplan, particularly its wider regeneration ambitions;
identify the road links which the depot will need to connect it to the local area;
alongside education providers, promote the case for a local rail training facility to act as a secondary site linked to the proposed HS2 College campuses at Birmingham and Doncaster;
increase awareness among north-east Derbyshire businesses of the opportunities HS2 represents.

The remaining D2N2 study funding will be used to look into the feasibility of creating road and tram links, which would connect the proposed East Midlands hub at Toton with other important sites, to provide a more integrated transport network for passengers. This will include:

the feasibility of NET tram extensions to Toton’s HS2 station and beyond (study to be led by Nottingham City Council’s NET team);
updating of the traffic model for the hub area (to be led by Highways England);
a study looking into tram-train links (to be led by Network Rail and Nottingham City Council’s NET team).

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our IIB board members set aside funds for feasibility studies some time ago, realising that where there is a chance for significant economic gain, investment in further study would be needed.

“The HS2 project represents an enormous opportunity for the D2N2 LEP area. We want to make sure we’ve investigated any practical means of taking full advantage of that, to grow the economy and create jobs.”

In his Comprehensive Spending Review last November (2015), Chancellor George Osborne awarded £1.25million to the D2N2 LEP, to develop a growth strategy for the proposed HS2 hub at Toton. In his previous July Budget, the Chancellor had agreed £5million to develop Midlands Connect – the cross-region co-operation between Midlands’ LEPs, local authorities and businesses – to integrate the region’s transport networks, which will also include work on HS2 development.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Local specialist appointed to senior role at Mitchells

4th March 2016

FCCA Chartered Accountant and motor trade specialist, Rob Bray has joined the team at Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

Rob (31) from Walton in Chesterfield, is the latest in a series of senior appointments to join Mitchells following its business growth over the last 12 months.

He joins from a local accountancy firm and brings considerable experience in the motor trade to his new senior corporate manager role. He has both worked directly in the motor industry himself as well as advising garages and dealerships, on finance, industry regulations and commission structures.

In addition to the motor trade, Rob brings extensive knowledge of business within the local area having worked closely with businesses throughout Chesterfield, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire for more than 10 years.

He commented: “I am delighted to join the team at Mitchells. The firm has excellent relationships with the big finance houses, which is critical for motor traders and businesses looking to grow. Cars are my passion, so I am particularly pleased that I will be working so closely with existing and new motor trade clients, as well as those across the board, helping them operate more efficiently and competitively.”

Rob joins Mitchells’ 40-strong team of professionals, one of the largest and longest established in the area. His appointment follows shortly after that of Hari Mehta who joined at the end of last year as the firm’s auto enrolment expert.

Richard Trueman, managing partner of Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rob on board. He represents a significant step forward in our drive to further strengthen our senior corporate management team. Our clients want tailored industry-specific advice and solutions for their business and we have the senior team in place to provide this. We are keen to expand the team further and are actively recruiting at all levels throughout 2016.”

Mitchells has enjoyed a period of impressive growth in the last 12 months, which has seen the appointment of two new partners, and the appointment of six new members of the team.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Securing the best devolution deal for Chesterfield and Derbyshire

4th March 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council has voted to apply to join a devolution deal with Sheffield City Region that could bring millions of pounds and hundreds of job opportunities to Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The devolution deal will see powers and funding held by ministers and civil servants in London – on issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport – transferred down to a local level.

At a special council meeting held on Thursday 3rd March, councillors confirmed that entering a deal will mean absolutely no changes to Chesterfield’s geographical boundaries with the town remaining firmly part of Derbyshire. Those councillors will also continue to control the running of all the services Chesterfield Borough Council is currently responsible for.

The additional devolved powers will be managed by a combined authority, which is made up of a group of councils, which will be led by an elected mayor. Chesterfield is applying for an equal seat at the table of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority alongside Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils. This builds on the strong relationships that have already delivered significant investment in Chesterfield from the Sheffield City Region.

The decision by Chesterfield’s councillors starts a process that will include a full period of public consultation – likely to be in late spring or early summer – ahead of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government making a decision, anticipated to be in the autumn.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m Chesterfield born and bred. If you cut me open I would have Chesterfield written on one side and Derbyshire on the other.

“So from day one I have been very clear that this is not about us moving anywhere as some people have claimed. Chesterfield is a Derbyshire town and will always be a Derbyshire town. Changing that has never been on the agenda and it never will be.

“This decision has been about what is going to be best for our economy and will most benefit our residents and businesses.

“It’s about creating jobs opportunities for young people who tell me they are desperately struggling to find work. It is about supporting the Chesterfield businesses who tell me that they want to expand but need staff with the right skills to do so.

“And it’s about giving our town an equal say at a table where £900 million is being handed out over the next 30 years.”

Three other Derbyshire councils – Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales district councils – are applying to join the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority as non-constituent members.

They have also decided to be full members of a similar North Midlands Combined Authority formed of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils, Derby City, Derbyshire County Council and around half of the Derbyshire district and borough councils.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also decided to apply to become a non-constituent member of the North Midlands Combined Authority.

This partnership is currently negotiating with government for a devolution deal that would also see powers come down from Government to be managed by a combined authority led by an elected mayor.

Councillor Burrows added: “I am in the unique position of being the only council leader to have been involved in negotiating devolution deals for both the North Midlands and Sheffield City Region areas.

“I’ve read every document on the subject and sat in the meetings here and in London. So I’ve heard every argument for and against both devolution deals and in all that time I’ve been looking for what is best for Chesterfield and Chesterfield alone.

“After hearing all the issues at the debate I came to a clear conclusion that this deal is in the best interests of Chesterfield. That view was shared overwhelmingly by councillors of all the three political parties represented on the council, who decided this is the deal we should put out to public consultation.

“What is on offer is so great that it would be reckless and gambling on the town’s future to walk away and not seek any devolution powers.”

Residents can view the report which has all the details considered by councillors at the meeting by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk and clicking on the devolution button at the bottom of the page. Paper copies can be seen at Chesterfield Town Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Amber Plastics Completes Management Buy Out

3rd March 2016

Chesterfield-based manufacturer Amber Plastics has completed a Management Buy Out led by Tony Bunting for an undisclosed sum, which has secured 40 jobs at the Sheepbridge manufacturing facility.

Funding to support the deal has been provided by RBS Invoice Finance and Royal Bank of Scotland and was overseen by Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and BRM Solicitors.

Tim Leeman, partner at Mitchells Chartered Accounts and Business Advisers said: “It is particularly pleasing that the MBO has been wholly managed by Chesterfield-based organisations, showing that the town has the skills and resources to successfully complete deals of this size.”

Established in 1978, Amber Plastics is one of Europe’s leading rotational moulders. Located on Broombank Road on Chesterfield Industrial Estate the business employs 40 staff. Tony Bunting has purchased the business from Derrick Round who will continue to work with the business in a consultative role. Tony Bunting originally joined the business in 1987 as a machine operator progressing to the role of General Manager three years prior to the MBO.

Amber Plastics has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, securing contracts in the domestic and overseas motorhome, health and construction markets. Tony Bunting is focused on driving growth further and has put in place a three-year plan which will see staff numbers increase by more than 25%.

A team of Chesterfield-based advisors and funders have supported the deal. RBS Invoice Finance represented by Kevin Burrows has provided a working capital facility which has released funds to assist the purchase of the business. This will also support ongoing cash flow requirements and the firm’s future growth strategy. The Royal Bank of Scotland’s banking team led by Simon Bellamy has also secured the day to day banking needs of the company. Tim Leeman from Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers and Sarah Rowland from BRM Solicitors also advised on the completion of this transaction.

Tony Bunting, Managing Director of Amber Plastics, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure all jobs within the company as part of the purchase. Having managed the business on the ground since 2013 as General Manager, as well as worked alongside many of the team over the last 29 years, I know Amber Plastics is a strong position. It is both successful and profitable. Through the funding we have in place with RBS together with the team of advisers at Mitchells, the business is now committed to growing production to pre-2008 levels and significantly increasing the workforce over the next three years.”

Tim Leeman added: “As Tony has been effectively running the business for three years he was the perfect purchaser. Together we were able to provide detailed information to enable RBS Invoice Finance to make a funding decision. It has been a seamless change of ownership and one that sees the business remaining owner-managed.

Kevin Burrows, Commercial Business Development Manager at RBS Invoice Finance said: “We are delighted to support Tony with the successful completion of the MBO and support a local business. Tony has been part of Amber Plastics for a number of years and played a key role in the management team’s recent growth strategy. He is committed to continuing the firm’s success and building the reputation of Amber Plastics across the UK. I am delighted to support them and work alongside a team of Chesterfield advisors on the deal. In particular I worked very closely with Mitchells and together we recognised an appropriate funding structure which would suit Tony the best. The working capital facility in place has reduced the need for additional debt funding and provided a flexible facility that will support his future growth plans.”

Sarah Rowland, Head of Company Commercial at BRM Solicitors said: “Amber Plastics have been a BRM client for many years. My colleague Anna Cattee and I were pleased to advise them in this deal, and wish the company a successful future.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Still time for Derbyshire businesses to join free Healthy Workplaces scheme

2nd March 2016

More Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to sign up for a free health and wellbeing support programme which is tailored to the needs of each individual organisation.

Since it launched in July, Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire has worked with more than 40 local businesses, which together employ over 30,000 people, to help employees to get fitter, healthier and happier.

The Healthy Workplace teams offers one-to-one help and support in areas including:

Assessing an organisation’s current situation and highlighting key areas for change
Supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace
Putting in place long term solutions for preventing ill health
Developing strategies and action plans for making improvements
Providing information on local services
Providing advice and support on mental health and wellbeing, healthy eating, physical activity, stop smoking support and alcohol and substance misuse
Offering training opportunities

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said:

“Making sure that employees are healthy and happy is an important function of any business.

“The Healthy Workplaces programme offers innovative solutions for employers who want to create a healthy and engaged workforce and also signposts onto other health and wellbeing projects such as the Heart of Derbyshire healthy eating options scheme.

“We would encourage anyone who has a business in Derbyshire to get in touch and see how our team can help.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital is just one of the organisations working with the Healthy Workplaces team.

Sarah Cooper, HR Advisor at the hospital, said:

“We’ve worked closely with the Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire team to create a healthy and more engaged workforce.

“The team supported us to enable staff to access local weight management services and develop our range of physical activity sessions.

“In addition they have provided guidance to enable us to obtain the Gold Standard for the Heart of Derbyshire award so we can all benefit from a range of healthy meal options in our canteen – Café @ the Royal.”

Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire is free to join for all businesses within Derbyshire County Council boundaries (excluding Derby City).

Find out more about Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire at www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Further growth for Handelsbanken

2nd March 2016

Handelsbanken in Chesterfield has reported an encouraging start to the year following another year of growth for branches across the UK.

Thanks to the loyalty of its local branch customers, the 144-year-old bank has revealed an 11 per cent rise in lending to British customers (in quarter 4 2015 compared to quarter 2014). Over this period, UK business lending increased 8 per cent, to £10.36 billion, while lending to personal banking customers rose 17 per cent, to £5.09 billion. UK customer deposits increased 13 per cent over the same period, to £8.69 billion.

Run by a team of 6 experienced local bankers, Handelsbanken Chesterfield is one of 206 British branches, stretching from Inverness to Truro, Colwyn Bay to Canterbury. Handelsbanken puts this continuing growth, including 19 new branches announced in 2015, down to a clear, long-term focus on customer satisfaction, prudent banking and cost efficiency. This local, customer-led approach has seen the bank rated top for satisfaction and loyalty for the last seven years, in an independent annual survey of British banks’ personal and business customers. The focus was also recognised in the government-backed Business Banking Insight survey, published last month, where Handelsbanken received the highest customer ratings across all sizes of SME designated by the survey.

Phil Walker, manager of Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch commented: “It’s been another successful year for Handelsbanken and that has been replicated here in Chesterfield. New individual and corporate customers continue to join us, often on recommendation from our existing customers, who appreciate the personal banking relationship they have with their local branch.”

Anders Bouvin, Handelsbanken’s UK Chief Executive, comments: “We know that having a local presence in the communities we serve is important to our customers. They value a personal relationship based on trust and responsibility, being able to talk to a decision-maker who knows their circumstances, which is a vital part of our traditional banking model. We aim to complement, rather than replace this, with our digital services.”

Businesses and individuals can contact Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch by calling 01246 231750 or by visiting the branch office at Spire Walk, Chesterfield.

Posted in Business

Celebrate National Old Stuff Day with Ashgate Hospice

1st March 2016

A Derbyshire-based charity is marking National Old Stuff Day by encouraging the public to be out with the old by sorting through their unwanted items and donating them to the cause.

Ashgate Hospicecare, which has 16 charity shops across the Derbyshire county, relies on donations of various items to sell in their shops. National Old Stuff Day is on Wednesday 2^nd March and challenges people to do something different and out of the norm or routine. Ashgate Hospicecare is encouraging people to have a seasonal sort through items including clothing, shoes, bags and bric-a-brac.

Laura Stevens, the Hospice’s Area Retail Manager, said, “Every year our shops contribute £500,000 to supporting patients through hospice care.

“Our shops always need items to sell and it is only through the generosity of our supporters donating their good quality unwanted items that we are able to generate funds for the Hospice.

“National Old Stuff Day provides everyone with the chance to sort through any items they maybe don’t need anymore or create some space for something else. What’s old to you can then be made new for someone else!”

The profits raised through Ashgate Hospicecare’s charity shops goes directly to the care provided to local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The shops generate 23% of the Hospice’s voluntary income.

Kim Trickett was diagnosed with cancer four times in her life. At the age of just 20, she was told the devastating news that she was terminally ill. She was eventually admitted to Ashgate Hospicecare and died a few weeks later. Her mother, Tracie Holocuk, has since been grateful to the Hospice for the care provided to her daughter.

“Clearing out your wardrobe will mean care can be provided to people just like my daughter and myself. I have seen first hand how every bag of donated items gets turned into things like pain relief, medication, equipment and one to one care from specialist consultants to name but a few. It gives the Hospice time to care for its local people. That time is so important and it enabled me to spend the last moments of Kimberley’s life with her which were priceless”

Donations of items can be made to any of the Ashgate Hospicecare shops across the county. Donors can find their nearest shop by visiting the Hospice’s website. Alternatively for more information on donating items, call the Hospice’s Donation Centre on 01246 203727 or visit the centre on the Storforth Lane Trading Estate in Hasland.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Last chance to nominate in the Chesterfield Retail Awards

29th February 2016

Don’t let your favourite retailer go unnoticed. Time is running out to nominate your favourite shop or store in the town in the third annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Nominations for the popular awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, close on Sunday 6 March 2016.

Retailers, including the best national high street stores and owner managed shops can be nominated across 14 different categories, with the winners being announced at an award ceremony held on 25 May 2016 at the town’s Winding Wheel.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, is urging shoppers to vote now. He said: “The closing date for nominations ties in brilliantly with the run up to Mother’s Day, the same date nominations close – 6th March. While you’re out shopping for your mum, if a Chesterfield retailer gives you outstanding service, has a fantastic choice of gifts, or even both, then make sure you nominate.

“The Retail Awards are great for business recognition, but also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the many people who work in the sector and help keep retail thriving in Chesterfield.”

Last year’s winner of the coveted Retail of the Year Award and Market Trader of the Year, Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, added: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award.”

To nominate your favourite retailer before Sunday 6 March 2016, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate/

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

Green space in Brampton set to be transformed

29th February 2016

Residents in Brampton will soon enjoy an enhanced green space at Chester St Park thanks to a share of a £1.5m funding pot received from central Government.

Social enterprise Monkey Park – Brampton’s new cafe, artisan bakery, bicycle workshop and co-working space – has been awarded a £14,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government ‘Pocket Parks’ programme to improve the green space opposite the centre.

Chester St Park is one of more than 80 unloved and neglected urban spaces across the country which will be transformed into green oases for everyone to use.

Working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council, the team at Monkey Park will use their funding to build a new riverside walkway with benches and a new entrance to the park, allowing people to walk along the Holme Brook and enjoy the natural green space threading through the heart of the community.

The project will support volunteers in their efforts to improve the river by providing flower bulbs and trees for planting, and will also fund an art and nature event which takes place in May.

Looking towards the future, the grant will also enable a sustainability plan to be produced, helping to ensure the park continues to improve over time.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The news that Monkey Park has received Government funding to create a pocket park is great for local residents.

“This will allow them have more access to nature, to take part in a wider range of activities in the park as well as make improvements to improve the look and feel of the park.”

The team at Monkey Park will work in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the work before the end of March 2016.

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

Hotel occupier announced for Co-op development

29th February 2016

The first occupiers have been announced for the redevelopment of the former Co-op store on Elder Way in Chesterfield.

Premier Inn will operate a 89 room hotel and Beefeater restaurant on the site. The hotel is due to start operating in 2017.

Nicholas Johnston, Acquisitions Manager for Premier Inn, said:

“We are delighted to be taking an 89 bedroom hotel and Beefeater restaurant as part of the forthcoming Elder Way development in Chesterfield. Chesterfield is an excellent location and, as well as attracting new visitors to the area the new hotel will deliver fresh investment and create 60 new jobs for the local area. We look forward to opening our doors to customers in 2017.”

Find out more about the regeneration scheme which includes a hotel, 6 restaurants and a gym .

Adam Herald of Jomast said: “We now have a number of parties showing strong interest in being part of this exciting scheme and are delighted to confirm that Premier Inn and their Beefeater restaurant will be anchoring the development.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Share your views with Chesterfield Borough Council

25th February 2016

Chesterfield residents have a chance to share their views with Chesterfield Borough Council and discuss issues that matter to them at the next round of Community Assembly meetings. Held four times each year, the meetings allow people to receive information and ask questions about projects led by the council and other partners that will affect them and their families.

The east meeting in Staveley will contain a briefing about the proposals for the HS2 rail link.

Residents attending the south meeting in Hasland will hear an update from Healthwatch Derbyshire and a consultation on a skate park for Eastwood Park, Hasland.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service will also speak at the north and west meetings at Littlemoor and Brampton respectively.

Residents at the east, south and west meetings can vote on which projects in their areas will receive funding from the council’s minor grants scheme.
All meetings will receive updates from Derbyshire Constabulary and a presentation on digital inclusion from Derbyshire Libraries.

Councillor Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance said: “We invite our residents to come along and attend our Community Assembly meetings.

“They will be able to hear a variety of updates from the council and our partner organisations on issues that affect them in their communities.”

• Chesterfield east: Wednesday 2 March at Staveley Methodist Church, Chesterfield Road, Staveley
• Chesterfield south: Wednesday 9 March at Hasland Village Hall, Eastwood Park
• Chesterfield north: Thursday 10 March at St Hugh’s RC Church, Littlemoor
• Chesterfield west: Wednesday 16 March at St Thomas’ Centre, St Thomas’ Church, Brampton.

The meetings are held at 6.30pm and will finish at around 8pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business