Business

Special meeting to decide on devolution options for Chesterfield

25th February 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council will meet next week to decide which of two devolution deals would bring the most benefits for the town’s residents and businesses.

The council has played an active part in helping to negotiate two deals, which would devolve powers and responsibilities currently held by the Government in London to a more local level. These include powers and funding to deal with issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport.

Chesterfield is being asked to choose between:

a devolution deal already agreed with the Government for the Sheffield City Region, which would include an additional £900 million of funding to the city region over 30 years or
a potential North Midlands deal, which is in the late stages of discussions ahead of an anticipated agreement from the Government. This deal would see a similar range of powers brought to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The deals will be given to, and be managed by combined authorities, which are groups of local councils in each local area. Under Government proposals these authorities would be led by an elected mayor.

Five councils, including Chesterfield Borough Council, cover areas that could benefit from either devolution deal due to the current overlap between the Sheffield City Region and North Midlands areas. These include Bolsover District Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council in Derbyshire and Bassetlaw District Council in Nottinghamshire.

Any choice made by councillors when they meet at the Town Hall in Chesterfield at 5pm on Thursday 3 March will then be subject to public consultation before the Government makes the final decision.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is important to be clear on what this debate is and isn’t about.

“It is not a debate about whether Chesterfield remains in the geographical boundaries of Derbyshire. We are proud to be in Derbyshire and will stay in Derbyshire irrespective of the outcome of these discussions.

“It is also not a debate about losing any of our council’s current powers and responsibilities or about the role of Chesterfield’s civic mayor.

“What this debate is about is what is best for our economy, for the jobs and training prospects of our residents, for the future sustainability and growth of our businesses, as well as access to millions of pounds worth of investment.

“At the moment many of the powers that we need are held by the Government. We are therefore being asked how best these powers and the accompanying money can be devolved down to a more local level that is in the own self-interest of the people of Chesterfield.”

A report by council officers says that both options have advantages and disadvantages for Chesterfield but, on balance, is recommending that councillors apply to become a full member of the Sheffield City Region devolution deal – known as a constituent member – and also apply to have non-constituent membership of any North Midlands devolution deal that is agreed.

The report says this is because:

the Sheffield City Region deal is already agreed with the Government and has the necessary administrative team in place to take advantage of the opportunities quickly
it offers the potential to bring more money to Chesterfield and Derbyshire’s economy
it provides Chesterfield with a more equal say when funding is being allocated as there are fewer councils sat around the table making decisions
the town’s economy, including business, commuter and leisure links, is much more closely linked to Sheffield and surrounding cities than to Derby, Nottingham and other southern areas of both counties.

Councillor Burrows added: “Although there is a recommendation from officers it is up to councillors – as the elected representatives of the public – to decide on the night which partnership and deal offers the best prospects for our town after hearing all the arguments during the debate.

“To get a devolution deal in either area the Government has insisted that an elected mayor is created. This mayor would not impact in any way on Chesterfield’s civic mayor but would have oversight of the new powers devolved from the Government and would campaign on behalf of the area for greater devolution in the future.

“Whichever deal we chose to be part of we know that we will need to accept an elected mayor that covers a wider area than just Chesterfield or indeed Derbyshire.

“The choice councillors make on the night will be the beginning rather than the end of a process. A public consultation will give all residents and businesses their say on the devolution options that best fit the needs of Chesterfield. Only when that process is complete will the Government make a final decision.”

A copy of the report assessing the options open to councillors can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk by clicking on the Devolution Deal button at the bottom of the page.

Further information about both the devolution deals can be seen at www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk and www.northmidlands.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

BRM solicitors raises nearly £10k for Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre

22nd February 2016

A charity will writing service, run by local law firm and Chesterfield Champion BRM Solicitors, has raised a total of £9,742 to help build the new Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Throughout October and November 2015 BRM Solicitors offered to waive their usual will writing fees in exchange for clients making a cash donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors says: “The campaign was a huge success, giving people the opportunity to make a will who otherwise may not have done so, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

Many clients chose to donate more than the suggested £54, showing their support for Macmillan’s vital work and the legal service we provided. The money raised will help to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.”

Rob Turner, the local fundraising manager at Macmillan says: “Thank you to everyone who took up BRM Solicitors offer and made a generous donation to Macmillan. Whether you choose to donate now, in your will, or both, your support is vital in helping Macmillan be there to support more people in Chesterfield who are affected by cancer.”

Planned to open in autumn this year, the £8.9m centre will transform cancer services for people across North Derbyshire. Macmillan Cancer Support has a fundraising target of £2.5 million to make the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre a reality.

If you would like to find out more about the Chesterfield Appeal and how you could support it please contact Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Annual employment trend remains positive

17th February 2016

Year on year the figures for employment remain positive with 8,660 fewer people out of work across the East Midlands, when compared to October to December 2015, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This means the East Midlands’ Unemployment Rate of 4.5% remains well below the national 5.1% and better than anywhere else outside of Southern England.

In Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in January 2016 fell by 6,935 compared to the same month in 2015.

In Chesterfield the number of people claiming the out of work benefit dropped to 893, which is 587 lower than the figure released in January 2015 (1480), and remains below the national average (1.4% compared to 1.5%).

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “While the quarterly increase in unemployment and fall in employment were disappointing, the annual trend is more positive and reflective of what our member businesses tell us about their recruitment activities.

“The East Midlands remains in a healthy position as a key driver of the UK economy, thanks to its broad base of businesses which have created jobs and opportunities for local people over the past 18 months.

“However, there are uncertainties around things like changes to apprenticeships funding, the introduction of a new National Living Wage and the continued rollout of auto-enrolment and we can’t yet fully appreciate what impact these might have on business.

“Today’s figures demonstrate that while our labour market remains flexible and vibrant, it’s not immune to shock, so it’s vital that business policy continues to provide the right support and environment to facilitate job creation, particularly in the production sectors, where the East Midlands’ real strength lies.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

University of Derby agrees new partnership to support school sport

17th February 2016

The University of Derby is showing its support for school sport competitions in the county and the annual Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Awards after agreeing a new partnership with Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA).

The partnership is part of the university’s ongoing work to create greater links with local schools and encourage more young people with an interest in sport to consider studying at the University of Derby.

In addition the university’s new £10.8m sports centre will play host to several county finals in the DSSA competition calendar.

The partnership was launched at the Derbyshire School Games U16 Badminton Team Championships, organised by Derbyshire Sport, which saw around 50 pupils from schools across Derbyshire competing.

Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the work of Derbyshire Sport and the Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association in this way. The University and its Team Derby brand are serious about sport and have much to offer any young person with an interest in sport.

“This includes a range of sport and exercise courses, a range of first-class facilities, a performance sport programme for badminton, basketball and volleyball, and scholarship and bursary opportunities for talented athletes participating in British Universities and Colleges Sport.”

Ilana Freestone, Derbyshire Sport Director, said: “Derbyshire Sport and the DSSA are excited to be working with the University of Derby in this way. This new partnership will support a range of high quality competition opportunities for young people and allow their sporting successes to continue to be celebrated at the annual awards evening.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Land in Chesterfield sold for 91 home redevelopment

16th February 2016

A 10-acre plot of land in Chesterfield has been bought by the UK’s leading privately-owned house-builder Avant Homes. The developer now plans to redevelop the Newbold Road site to build 91 high-specification new homes.

Charles D’Auncey, director of Harris Lamb, oversaw the sale on behalf of GKN, and said that Avant Homes had been the successful bidder for the site, which a number of developers had identified as a desirable location for a residential development.

“There has been a real demand for quality new homes within the region as a result of its excellent access links and its proximity to the Peak District, but available land to fulfil that need is in short supply.

“ more than met the requirements. Located just four miles from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the site is just a mile away from Chesterfield town centre and its amenities, lending itself to creating a residential community.”

The Newbold Road site had already been awarded planning consent for the properties subject the developer is committed to paying more than £200,000 toward improvements to the local nursery, infant and junior schools, as well as providing 20 per cent of the houses

Charles added: “Confidence has returned to the housing construction sector as the economy has improved; something the introduction of the Help To Buy Government initiative in 2013 has helped to escalate.

“As a result, Harris Lamb has been working with clients to identify suitable land supplies for residential development and liaising with interested developers to help secure the sale, planning permission and support site-works where appropriate.

“There was a great deal of interest in this site from various UK developers keen to secure a presence in Derbyshire, and the location of this particular parcel of land made it a very desirable asset. We’re confident that the site will be redeveloped to an extremely high standard, thanks to Avant Homes’ Avant Homes’ reputation for creating homes with an innovative design and specification,” he added.

Construction at the Newbold Fields site will start in the coming weeks and the development is expected to launch in the summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

NHS offers 10 traineeships to help young people into work

15th February 2016

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is working with Learning Unlimited to offer 10 exciting traineeship opportunities to help unemployed 18-24 year olds in Chesterfield into employment.

Starting at the end of February, the traineeships are in estates, catering and patient experience departments and are a great way to gain essential work experience and develop key employability skills.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust is a Top 10 NHS Best Places To Work employer 2015, in awards run by the Health Service Journal in association with the Nursing Times and NHS Employers.

For those succesful, the traineeship programme will last for 12 weeks, beginning with a two week induction period and followed by 10 weeks of work experience. Throughout the programme each trainee will be supported by the NHS Trust and training provider Learning Unlimited. At the end of the programme trainees will be offered an interview, given a reference, considered for potential job opportunities in the organisation and supported to think about the next steps into an apprenticeship, work or education with the help of Learning Unlimited.

Sharon Allison, workforce planning and development trainer at Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Traineeships are a fantastic way to develop people within the communities we serve. It is really important for our organisation to make sure we give people who want to work with us the opportunity to get experience and be job ready. We are keen to develop the skills the organisation needs and traineeships offer us the chance to do that.

“If you are unemployed, aged 18 to 24 and interested in a career in the NHS but feel you need some support to get the first step on the career ladder I would urge you think about traineeships with us.”

For more information about the traineeships and to apply visit https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/traineeship/689439. The closing date for applications is 19th February 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Peak District and Derbyshire share in tourism spending and jobs boost

12th February 2016

Inspirational marketing campaigns to encourage more visitors to come and stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire have proved almost eight times more effective than expected – generating more than £44.7 million in extra tourism spending and creating more than 830 jobs.

Research by national tourist board VisitEngland reveals that official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has exceeded Government targets by a huge margin thanks to its major, multi-media marketing push ‘The World Away’ – costing just £600,000 over three years in a public and private sector partnership.

Government-set goals stipulated that the campaigns – which included the area’s first-ever television commercial, advertising billboards, video on demand and on-line, print and social media promotion – should reap a return of investment of £5.8 million and create more than 130 jobs from 2012 to 2015.

But they proved much more appealing than anticipated – mirroring the wider success of VisitEngland’s national campaign, ‘Growing Tourism Locally’, funded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) – which has generated an extra £1.05 billion in tourism spend and created a record number of 19,490 jobs in the tourism sector across England over the same period.

“To say we are delighted is an understatement,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. “‘The World Away’ has punched well above its weight in terms of both return on investment and creating jobs, bringing concrete benefits and hopefully a lasting legacy to the local and regional economy that we can build on throughout 2016 and beyond.”

Lady Cobham CBE, Chairman of VisitEngland’s Advisory Board, added: “It’s fantastic to see the results of the ‘Growing Tourism Locally’ campaign’, which was aimed at driving growth by encouraging Brits to book a short break at home in one of the many wonderful destinations on offer across England. It’s a brilliant result, promoting our beautiful country as a world-class holiday destination.”

The Peak District and Derbyshire was one of 14 English destinations to benefit from a £19.8 million pot of money – part of a total investment of £41.6 million, including contributions from VisitEngland and the private sector – funding campaigns to target specific audiences such as young couples, young couples with pre-school children, older couples and groups.

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

Cathelco supplies equipment to US

9th February 2016

Chesterfield manufacturer Cathelco has won a contract to supply its specialist water treatment system for a new offshore vessel built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC of New Orleans.

The Harvey Stone (Hull 234), with a length of 64.8m and 18m beam, is due to be delivered in the second quarter of this year.

Cathelco’s ballast water treatment (BWT) system can operate effectively in the most challenging water conditions and automatically adjusts to different sea water qualities.

Peter Smith, sales director of Cathelco said:-

“We are one of the few BWT system manufacturers using UV technology that has no restrictions on the salinities in which ships can operate in U.S. waters. Our system has been approved and accepted to work in marine, brackish and fresh water, allowing vessels to enter the Great Lakes and other inland waterways.”

The equpment’s space-saving UV chambers are some of the smallest on the market. Each unit is a twin chamber with only two lamps (100m³/hr per lamp) and is designed to make the sea water flow along one side and then the other – doubling UV exposure.

The system also boasts an innovative, non-chemical cleaning system which prevents damage to equipment as it has no mechanical parts, but instead uses special cleaning balls to remove any residue.

Posted in Business

National recognition for Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre

5th February 2016

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has once again been announced as a finalist in the prestigious England for Excellence Awards.

The centre in Rykneld Square, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has been shortlisted for a second year in the visitor information provider of the year category.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Each year we welcome thousands of visitors into Chesterfield to visit attractions including our open-air market, the Crooked Spire and the wider area including the Peak District.

“Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are often the first people visitors to the town will meet and they will go the extra mile to make people feel welcome and make sure they have all the information they need.”

Other nominees in the same category are: Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Gloucester Tourist Information Centre, Thanet Visitor Information Service and The Welcome People London.

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain and VisitEngland added: “Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England.

“We received over 400 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt those shortlisted are a representatives of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations.

“I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck on awards night.”

The England for Excellence Awards 2016 takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Tuesday 8 March.

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

Getting more disabled people into sports and volunteering

4th February 2016

Ten sports clubs and organisations across Derbyshire are to benefit from free training to help increase the number of disabled people volunteering across the county.

Run by Derbyshire Sport, the IMPACT volunteering project aims to create more sports volunteering opportunities for disabled people whilst increasing their confidence and skills.

The programme will help understand whether having more disabled volunteers supporting a club helps increase disability participation, a key target of Sport England who are funding this project.

A volunteer recruitment campaign is set to take place within ‘Inclusive Volunteer Month’ in June to encourage disabled people to volunteer as well as providing training opportunities for the clubs who the volunteers will be deployed to.

Within the month, Derbyshire Sport will work with local voluntary services and other partners to encourage disabled people to sign up to the project and start their journey as a sports volunteer.

Matthew Dalley, Derbyshire Para-Equestrian rider and has gained many benefits from his own volunteering experience at his riding club where he started helping in the yard and now runs the club’s social media and website.

When speaking about his volunteering journey, Matthew said: “I am committed to helping other disabled people benefit from an involvement in sport, both as a participant and volunteer.

“Through my own volunteering I aim to show that my disability isn’t a barrier to helping make a difference and I encourage others to take the opportunity to get involved with the IMPACT project so they can benefit like I have.”

Sport Development Officer for Derbyshire Sport, Rachael Dyer, said: “it is important to reflect the broad spectrum of people that we are aiming to recruit by providing a varied training programme.

“Clubs and their volunteers will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills and knowledge on how to effectively engage with disabled people who are getting involved in their club in a voluntary capacity.

“The IMPACT project will help Derbyshire clubs and volunteers better understand how to effectively engage with disabled people and to help raise their awareness of what makes an inclusive club”.

Four counties will be involved in the project across the East Midlands; Lincolnshire Sport, Northamptonshire Sport and Sport Nottinghamshire will all be working alongside Derbyshire to get more disabled people volunteering across the region.

The four counties are sharing a £59,200 investment into the region that was awarded by Sport England in late 2015.

For more information on the project please contact Rachael.dyer@derbyshire.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

New road to bring more jobs to Markham Vale

3rd February 2016

Work has started on a new link road to the M1 motorway paving the way to potentially create more than 2,500 new jobs at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship regeneration site, Markham Vale.

The new Seymour Link Road will join up plots of land on the north side of the Markham Vale Enterprise Zone through Erin Road to Junction 29a of the M1 motorway and will open up more space for businesses to move to the site.

The jobs figures are an estimate based on the size of the development plots available and the county council has already received a number of enquiries from a range of businesses interested in the site.

Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said:

“This is a great start to the New Year for Markham Vale.

“Seymour Link Road will open up opportunities for more businesses to move to the site and has the potential to create more than 2,500 new jobs for local people and boost the Derbyshire economy.

“We’re also currently negotiating with Government on a devolution deal with the hope that this will give us more money to invest in major projects such as Markham Vale, develop skills and boost employment.

“We look forward to welcoming even more new businesses to the site this year including Great Bear Distribution which is set to open in October and create up to 400 new jobs.”

Derbyshire County Council is providing £1.26m towards the new £7.56m link road in partnership with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) − promoting economic growth in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire − investing £2.52m, and the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, £3.78m.

D2N2 LEP’s Chief Executive, David Ralph, said:

“Developing Enterprise Zone sites is key to our economic ambitions and at the heart of D2N2’s Strategic Economic Plan, with its overarching ambition to create 55,000 new private sector jobs in key industries, over ten years.

“To that end we are not only investing in Markham Vale, which will benefit hugely from the Seymour Link Road to the M1, but also the Nottingham and Derby Enterprise Zone sites.”

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, Councillor John Burrows, said:

“The Enterprise Zone at Markham Vale is going from strength-to-strength − anyone travelling on the M1 can see that this is a hotbed of investment activity that gets busier every month.

“This new link road will open up more land to the growing numbers of businesses that want to be part of our successful Enterprise Zone.”

The link road at Markham Vale is due to be completed in October this year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development