Business

Young People Hail Inaugural Made in Chesterfield Week a Success

More than 400 students from North East Derbyshire’s schools have hailed Chesterfield’s very first manufacturing festival, Made in Chesterfield, a success.

The week (10 – 14 November), which was coordinated by Destination Chesterfield, featured a programme of manufacturing dedicated events.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield kicked off the festival by unveiling a new sculpture outside Chesterfield Coach Station, which was a collaboration between, Franke Sissons Ltd’s apprentices and students from Parkside School.

Year 10 Parkside School student Bayley Siddall, who worked on the sculpture’s design said, “It’s given me a real insight into what I would like to do in the future.”

The week-long festival was designed to showcase the town’s successful manufacturing and engineering sector and ignite career interest in the sector from young people as well as bring together the business community.

School events included tours of United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company and Kingfield Electronics, as well as making a stainless steel die at NLT, and an open evening at Chesterfield College.

There was also a number of competitions held throughout the week including design a tent with FieldCandy and Crush Design, and a Twitter vs Drone competition hosted by Magnifica Technologies Ltd and Kingfield Electronics, which was won by Brookfield School.

Commenting at a business round table event during Made in Chesterfield Week, Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons said: “You have to overcome a generation that thinks manufacturing is noisy and dirty.  There are young people leaving school now that haven’t had family members working in industry and view manufacturing as the past. This isn’t the case. Chesterfield has a thriving manufacturing and engineering sector and many companies within it are working throughout the world.”

He added: As a former apprentice myself, I am very passionate about working closely with local schools. Working with students at Parkside School gave us the opportunity to give 10 young people and insight into the manufacturing industry, and show them the different careers and routes they could pursue. Many children think that manufacturing is just solely about working in a factory, but there’s so much more to it and that’s what Made in Chesterfield was designed to show them.”

A highlight of the week included the arrival of the travelling engineering showcase, MANTRA, (Manufacturing Transporter), sponsored by commercial insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher, on Thursday 14 November at the Proact Stadium. The 14m HGV trailer, packed with state of the art engineering technology has been developed by The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, a world-class centre for advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.

Toby Perkins MP for Chesterfield, joined students from Tupton Primary School on Mantra. He said: “Manufacturing is vitally important for Britain’s future and motivating the next generation of Engineers to see the potential opportunities is a great idea.  I hope that some of the children I met here today will be the Engineers of the future.”

A number of sixth form students were also invited to take part in the annual manufacturing breakfast seminar held at The Proact Stadium during the Week. Hosted by Shorts Chartered Accountants, NatWest and Banner Jones Solicitors, the event brought together key speakers from the heart of local business, putting emphasis on the future of manufacturing within the region.

Made in Chesterfield Week also coincided with UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) sixth Export Week. It emerged during the festival that many of the town’s companies are supplying their products globally and also contributing to Chesterfield reputation for manufacturing and engineering specialisms.

11% of the country’s gross comes from manufacturing which contributes £6.7 trillion to the global economy and locally this represents around 20% for Sheffield City Region.

Simon Grandidge, International Marketing Manager for UK Trade & Investment East Midlands said: “The week long Made in Chesterfield festival provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the products and services that come from the area and we were delighted to support Destination Chesterfield with our own export themed event, offering advice to local businesses on how to boost their profits by winning business overseas.

“The event formed part of the biggest Export Week we have held in the region yet, with over 400 companies attending across the week, but we still think that more firms should be taking advantage of the support that is available to them through UKTI and other business support organisations.

“Our research tells us that only 14%, some 8,000, of East Midlands companies export – so there is a lot more we could achieve by boosting this figure by just a few percent.

“We will continue to work with our regional partners, including Destination Chesterfield, to encourage businesses to look at overseas markets and to help drive the economy forwards.”

Although the coal mining industry in north east Derbyshire has ended, Chesterfield’s reputation as the centre of centrifuging in the UK continues with MSE Hiller, based at Markham Vale. The company supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK. Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller said: “No one in Britain is doing what we are doing. Our products and services are very much in demand.”

Earlier this year United Cast Bar (UK) brought Chesterfield to the attention of the global iron industry after it successfully produced a record-breaking 665mm diameter bar of iron, casting 220 tonnes of material using the continuous casting method.

James Brand Managing director of United Cast Bar said: “While there are fewer jobs in the sector today, he believes there is a wealth of undiscovered opportunities for young people and I urge schools to encourage young people to consider a career within it.

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing the manufacturing and engineering sector to their attention. Made in Chesterfield has made a fantastic start in doing this and I very much hope it continues.”

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager added: “Chesterfield has a rich heritage in the manufacturing and engineering sector and it’s important to celebrate that. We’re really passionate about inspiring young people to pursue a career in manufacturing or engineering but to be able to do that it’s vital to show them that there are hundreds of careers paths they could pursue in the sector.

“We’re thrilled that the first Made in Chesterfield festival went down a storm. Thank you to all of the local businesses that got behind the week by hosting their own events and attending others. We can’t wait to bring it back again next year to more young people.”

 

If you’re interested in getting involved in next year’s Made in Chesterfield Week, please contact dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Source:Destination Chesterfield

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

Growing Chesterfield firm named industry’s best

Recon Electrical has triumphed in the national 2014 Electrical Industry awards, putting the business on track to expand further.

Once again the Sheepbridge-based independent electrical wholesaler beat off stiff competition from a number of national and international chains to win two awards at the prestigious black tie event – UK Electrical Wholesaler of the Year and Electrical App of the Year.

The Recon Electrical Phone App is believed to be the first of its kind in the electrical industry. It was developed for Recon’s customers earlier this year to provide them with an on-the-go source of information, including a technical library and quick quote feature, which can be accessed via their smart phone.

Held in London, the annual event, which is organised by Electrical Times, is the trade’s longest running and most respected awards championing excellence. The awards not only encourage and celebrate innovation, but also rewards the contribution of individuals and teams across the electrical trade.

This is the second time this year that Recon Electrical has been recognised in national competitions. Earlier in 2014 the business was highly commended in two categories at the Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2014 – Best Individual Wholesaler Branch and Best Electrical Wholesaler with 10 and Under Branches.

Recon Electrical’s Managing Director Andy Salvin, said “The Electrical Industry Awards win has topped off a brilliant year for the business. The awards pay tribute to our focus on customer satisfaction by having the right, skilled and knowledgeable staff.

“In the near future we are looking to expand on what we have in Chesterfield and are looking for larger premises. Long term, we are looking at opening other branches and increasing the team.”

Established in 1996, Recon Electrical now employs nine people at its Broombank Road premises, where it supplies commercial, industrial and private customers with electrical products and consumables, including lamps, lighting, plugs, sockets, cabling, electrical panels and control gear, to companies and individuals locally and throughout the UK.

The company has already made a big impact amongst the area’s trades people after it formed the Chesterfield Trades Hub last year, which was launched to bring the sector together to share business and discuss upcoming projects in the town.

Source:Recon Electrical Ltd via In the Works PR

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

More jobs in pipeline at Markham Vale

Up to 100 new jobs are to be created at Markham Vale as Chesterfield-based manufacturer, Inspirepac has announced its plans for a multi-million pound expansion project.

inspirepac, which manufacturers a full range of corrugated cardboard from basic transit and protective cases to specialist retail-ready packaging and fully printed displays, for well-known blue chip brands, will move into a new 100,250 sq ft warehouse and office building being built at Markham Vale.

The new premises will add to the firm’s existing sites at Sheepbridge in Chesterfield, Dronfield, Wetherby in Yorkshire and Runcorn in Cheshire, and will house new high quality state-of-the-art printing, die-cutting and gluing machinery as part of a £6million investment to help transform the company’s £46m group of businesses.

inspirepac, which supplies leading companies including PepsiCo, Bacardi, Thorntons, Kimberley Clark, 3M and Unilever, currently employs 260 people in total including 110 staff at its Sheepbridge headquarters − and a further 100 jobs will be created at the new site long-term.

Chris Marples, CEO at inspirepac, said: “We are delighted to secure new premises at Markham Vale. This new site, combined with further planned investment in 2016, will enable the Inspirepac Group to grow beyond £90m in the next five years, with the opportunity of creating up to 100 further jobs over this period.  Local investment and new jobs are essential for the region and we are pleased to be playing our part in helping the local community and give job security and longevity to our existing employees.”

Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, introduced inspirepac to Markham Vale. She said:

“inspirepac is a great ambassador for Derbyshire business. It’s embracing the latest technology to be a leader in its field and bring contracts from big name companies to Derbyshire.

“We’re delighted inspirepac has chosen Markham as the home for its new premises taking the number of its sites in the county to three.”

She added: “Today’s announcement is great news for Markham Vale which is playing a key role in our plans to drive growth in Derbyshire by stimulating economic activity, helping businesses to thrive and creating jobs for local people.”

inspirepac are the latest in a line of companies to acquire premises on the regeneration site off junction 29a of the M1.

Existing occupiers include MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Henry Boot Developments, the county council’s private sector developer, has secured a 20 year lease agreement with Inspirepac and will start building the new warehouse and office space next month. It is expected to be built by May 2015.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s Regional Manager, said: “We are delighted to secure such a significant deal with inspirepac. This is testament to the appeal of Markham Vale which continues to attract high performance brands because of its exceptional location right next to the M1 and also opportunities for high specification, purpose designed buildings that can facilitate next generation manufacturing and distribution techniques.”

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Business

Government and Sheffield City Region sign £325 million Growth Deal

Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, will today join up with council and business leaders from across Sheffield City Region to sign a £325 million Growth Deal.

In July, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) secured the landmark funding for Sheffield City Region, which will create over 28,000 jobs and training for 40,000 people.

The official signing ceremony will take place at the Electric Works in Sheffield City Centre. Electric Works is a state-of-the-art office space and home to a growing community of creative, digital and media businesses in Sheffield City Region.

The Deputy Prime Minister will meet with leaders from the Sheffield City Region including LEP Chairman James Newman and Combined Authority Deputy Chairman Councillor Eion Watts.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who chairs the Local Growth Cabinet Committee said:

“We are ending a culture of Whitehall knows best. Decisions over spending on infrastructure, business support and housing are being made at a truly local level.

“Instead, we are placing the power and money in the hands of the people who know how to spend it best, making a real difference to Sheffield City Region.

“This Growth Deal will create thousands of jobs, provide incredible new training opportunities for young people, build thousands of new homes and improve transport links for everyone – building a stronger economy and a fairer society.”

James Newman, Chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP, said:

“Signing our deal with the Deputy Prime Minister marks an important milestone in the process of taking control of our local economy. This deal will unlock millions of pounds of investment to grow the Sheffield City Region economy and create jobs.

“The Sheffield City Region LEP achieved the fifth biggest deal with Government of all areas in England. We achieved this because our leaders worked closely together to put forward a very compelling offer.

“However, this is only the first small step on a journey to take control of our City Region’s economic destiny.”

Councillor Eion Watts, Deputy Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said:

“This Growth Deal is a significant step in the right direction and we will continue to work with Government to address the imbalances in the national economy.

“The Sheffield City Region has proved that it has the strong governance and processes in place to use government funding effectively to create jobs for local people.

“We are continuing to work with Government to get the best deal for our City Region and we recently submitted a further funding bid which asks for £38 million to further boost jobs and growth in the City Region.”

The Growth Deal has been achieved as a result of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) to Government which set out plans to transform the local economy over the next decade. At the heart of the plan is the creation of 70,000 new private sector jobs and 6,000 new businesses over the next ten years.

The funding secured by the Growth Deal will facilitate over £600 million of infrastructure schemes, including improvements to Sheffield City Centre, transport links to new housing and employment sites the Dearne Valley and a link road to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.

It will enable the LEP to create a £130 million Skills Bank, which will provide training for 40,000 people in the Sheffield City Region, including between 5,000 and 7,500 apprentices. The funding will also be used to upgrade further education facilities and build a brand new British Glass Academy.

The Growth Deal will also mean that the LEP can extend its business investment programme which will create 4,000 new jobs for local people.

Earlier this month, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) wrote to Government to officially ask for an additional £38 million to further boost economic growth and create jobs in the area.

Source:Sheffield City Region

Posted in Business

New Nando’s creates 30 new jobs in Chesterfield

Chesterfield residents and visitors are in for a tasty treat as Nando’s, home of legendary Portuguese flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, opens to the public on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.
Located in Alma Leisure Park on the former Blockbusters retail site, the restaurant stays true to Nando’s unique Afro-Portuguese roots with a stunning design seating up to 128 guests. The opening has also created 30 new jobs for the local area, ranging from cashiers and grillers to assistant managers.
Packed with flavour and great variety, the new restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the cinema and will provide the perfect pre or post film refreshment for students, families and locals.
19 year old Nando’s devotee, Jared Shooter, will be given the opportunity of a lifetime after winning a Facebook competition to open the new Chesterfield restaurant. Jared is adding to his list of Nando’s achievements, having finished second place at last year’s ‘Nando’s Comedian of the Year’.  As well as cutting the all-important ribbon, Jared will be the very first customer to sample the infamous flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken.
Andy Crook, Nando’s Regional Managing Director said: “Chesterfield is clearly hungry for chicken, so we’re delighted to be finally opening a restaurant in the area to satisfy people’s cravings.”

Source:Nandos

Posted in Business, Visiting

Chesterfield firm named best in county

Marine maintenance equipment manufacturer Cathelco has been named Derbyshire Business of the Year 2014 by the county’s Chamber of Commerce.

The Chesterfield-based firm which produces anti-fouling systems for seawater pipework received the award at the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards at the Roundhouse on Friday. The company also won the Excellence in Innovation award.

In its 55-year history, Cathelco has completed more than 30,000 installations worldwide. Its success stems from its focus on two very specialised but essential safety systems for vessels in the harsh marine environment, namely its pipework anti-fouling systems and its hull corrosion protection systems.

Its Technical Director, Robert Field, said: “We are delighted to have won this award, which comes on the back of a great year for Cathelco. Our BWT system is going into commercial production and there is already strong interest from ship owners worldwide.

“As a result, Cathelco will be enlarging its production facilities and increasing its workforce. This award is testament to the hard work of all our staff in achieving this.”

Another Chesterfield business – Mitchells Chartered Accountants – also scooped an award on the evening for Best use of Technology to Improve Business Performance.

A spokesman at the firm said: “We are delighted to have won the award because it is at the very heart of what we do.  Essentially, we are on a journey of development to transform our clients’ businesses using more than just accountancy skills.

“We’ll continue to blaze a trail in the effort to make business operations and growth easier for our clients.  Our motto is ‘if you can’t measure it you can’t manage it’ – we think this is why the Chamber were kind enough to recognise us for this prestigious award.”

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “The Chamber’s congratulations go to all of this year’s winners. We had some stellar entries this year and the judging process was extremely tough, but all of the winning businesses thoroughly deserve their success.

“The standard of competition was extremely high this year which clearly shows that, following a year in which the local economy has made remarkable progress, we have some real success stories of Derbyshire businesses doing well.

“Over the past 12 months, businesses in Derbyshire have been busy investing, innovating, exporting and growing and these awards are testament to the quality of business we have in this city and county.”

Source:Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

£300k boost for Chesterfield Innovation Centres

A major upgrade is on the cards to improve the digital connectivity and conference facilities at the Chesterfield Innovation Centres.

Tapton Park Innovation Centre and Dunston Innovation Centre – both owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce – look set to receive £200,000 investment toward the exciting development.

The project, which will cost in the region of £300,000 will benefit existing tenants at the centres as well as attracting new businesses to the area.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration said: “Chesterfield’s Innovation Centres have proved extremely popular with businesses in the borough.

“They offer quality workspaces, support from the council’s team who staff and service the centres and easy in/easy out terms giving flexibility for businesses to adjust their accommodation requirements to the size of the business.

“Work does need to be carried out, though, to improve the broadband and phone systems in order to meet the needs of modern businesses and to attract new innovative, creative or knowledge-based businesses into Chesterfield.”

A 1GB connection will be the main focus of the upgrade as well as new telephone facilities and refurbished conference suites.

Cabinet members have also made a commitment to include a clause in the contracts for the work for contractors to use local labour and materials where possible.

The work has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet and will be considered by council at the next meeting on Wednesday 15 October.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in Business

£16m now available to support growing businesses

Businesses with clear growth aspirations are now invited to apply for a share of a £16 million fund via the University of Derby.

The money has been secured from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF), which is aimed at fuelling business expansion and helping to create and safeguard thousands of jobs in the East Midlands region.

The ‘Invest to Grow’ project, is now open for expressions of interest, which can be submitted via the website: www.derby.ac.uk/investtogrow.

The university will use the fund to support business growth in the region by investing in companies, as well as providing access to its extensive range of wider resources including academic expertise and technology.

Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in our city and region. We are delighted that the university will deliver this multi-million pound investment, supporting companies in the East Midlands to grow and flourish.

“It will benefit companies that need funding or other support to innovate and accelerate growth, particularly those companies which have the potential to become high value incoming generating businesses.

“This funding is particularly timely, especially in a fast growing region such as ours where companies are trying to grow and confidence is returning but it still remains difficult to get all the help needed from the banks.

“Investing in these companies will create high value jobs in the region, which will help to retain our best graduates and attract others, creating a pipeline of young talent to the region.”

David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, added: “It is great news that a fresh injection of funding is now available to help support businesses to grow, create new jobs and safeguard others, as well as access wider resources of expertise.

“We have already seen excellent results from the Regional Growth Fund programme in our area, through our own ‘Unlocking Investment for Growth’ programme and others, such as the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund and Global Derbyshire.

“The Invest to Grow project, managed by the University of Derby, will further enhance the help available to firms in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I would urge all those who need this assistance to further their business, to look into this new grant project.”

The University of Derby Invest to Grow team can be contacted on 01332 597907 or via email: investtogrow@derby.ac.uk

Source:The University of Derby

Posted in Business, Development

Chesterfield factory expands with bank support

One of the UK’s leading nickel plating specialists is expanding its factory after securing a six figure funding deal.

NiTEC UK Ltd is based in Chesterfield and boasts one of the world’s largest electroless nickel plating facilities.  This cash injection will allow it to increase its existing production capacity which provides services including pipe strengthening and exterior protection to a diverse range of industries, from oil and aerospace to architecture and art.

Funding support was provided by Yorkshire Bank, with the deal arranged by Steve Wicks, Commercial Relationship Manager at the bank’s South Yorkshire Business and Private Banking Centre in Sheffield.

NiTEC UK’s in-house laboratory team developed SeaTEC, a revolutionary coating for the marine industry which can withstand exposure to salt spray for more than 19,000 hours.

The company also works with the aerospace and oil industries. Other more unusual bespoke projects include plating a gorilla sculpture created by Turner Prize winner David Mach.

Marcus Hill, Commercial Director at NiTEC UK, said: “We are pleased to be expanding to meet the growing demand for our expertise and products.  The support from Yorkshire Bank and commitment of the NiTEC team has been instrumental in establishing our reputation and place in the marketplace.

“Working with Yorkshire Bank has been fantastic and the team has really taken the time to learn our business.”

Kevin Elliot, head of the South Yorkshire Business and Private Banking Centre, said: “We are proud to be supporting a highly regarded local business that combines technological expertise with an impressive entrepreneurial flair.

“Yorkshire Bank remains committed to investing in the growth ambitions of the local business community.”

Source:Yorkshire Bank

Posted in Business

Local magazines get national recognition

Staff at Heron Publications are celebrating after being presented with a second successive accolade in the national Magazine Publishers’ Awards.

The company responsible for local titles including ‘Twist’, ‘Dronfield Eye’ and ‘Wings’ finished runner-up in the keenly contested ‘Best Magazine Editorial’ category. Director Mike Firth received the award at a glitzy presentation evening staged at the Heart of The Midlands Conference Centre, Warwickshire.

Hundreds of publications from dozens of companies featured at the annual conference and awards night and the ‘Best Magazine Editorial’ class was the most fiercely contested category. Ten magazines were on the shortlist.

A delighted Mike said: “We were thrilled to receive a similar accolade a year ago for the excellent quality of our front pages, but this particular category saw judges run the rule over the standard of editorial throughout our magazines.

“The number of entries overall had increased by more than 200% this year and the awards night featured many excellent publications belonging to magazine owners throughout Britain.

“There were even entries from magazines in Spain and Australia, so to be presented with the runner-up ‘Highly Commended’ trophy was indeed an achievement.”

Mike added: “Heron Publications – an original Chesterfield Champion – prides itself on offering readers a variety of interesting news and feature articles to enjoy each month, accompanied by the brightest local photographs.

“We are often told by readers and advertisers just how much they appreciate our magazine being around. We know people enjoy reading it, but it is very nice indeed to be honoured at such a prestigious national industry gathering.

“Although this particular award recognises our magazine’s editorial excellence, it is a reflection of the standards of our publications as a whole.”

Heron Publications is now into its 13th year and carefully distributes 51,000 free-of-charge magazines monthly in North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

 

Photograph: Mike Firth receiving the trophy at the Independent Magazine Publishers’ Awards.

Source:Heron Publications

Posted in Business, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield solicitors receives national recognition

Banner Jones Solicitors has once again been named a ‘Leading Firm’ in the 2014 UK Legal 500 rankings.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager comments “Following our family law team’s success last year, we are delighted to have received a ranking for our personal injury team this year as well.  Being a Legal 500 firm is a great accolade for the business, and we are one of the few law firms in Chesterfield to have been awarded a ranking”.

Simon Wright who heads up the Personal Injury department has received recognition for leading ‘a very well-organised’ team, which handles claims of any size and type’ and as such has been given the accolade of ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the Legal 500. Both Robert Banner, also in the Personal Injury team and Toby Netting from the firm’s family law team have also received the Recommended Lawyer status.  The Legal 500 quoted Toby Netting as being ‘Exceptional’ and said that Robert Banner ‘exudes calm and experience’.   Simon comments “We are very proud of the business for achieving this ranking as it highlights our specialism and expertise in these areas. It is wonderful thing to have been given this recommendation from such a highly regarded publication”.

Source:Banner Jones Solicitors

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield