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Town centre regeneration work starts on site

Work on the next phase of the multi-million pound regeneration of Chesterfield town centre has officially started on site.

Councillors Tricia Gilby and Kate Sarvent met with Louise Bruynseels a regular market trader and John Allen the Construction Director at contractor Thomas Bow, to see how works had been progressing to the upper section of Market Place during the first week of construction.

The works will see the creation of a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting. Work will then move on to New Square – to create an attractive and flexible space that will complement the main market and speciality markets, but can also be used to host festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings.

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

The town’s historic cobbles will be lifted, and re-laid and some new paving will also be installed – together this will maintain the historic look but will provide a more level surface throughout the Market Place, making it easier for people with accessibility issues such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users or parents with pushchairs to navigate the market.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re all immensely proud of our town centre and historic market, and we’re investing in its future to help it thrive for generations to come.

“It’s fantastic to see work begin on site, and we all look forward to seeing the improvements take shape over the summer. The town centre is very much open for business, although inevitably there will be some short-term disruption and we thank people for their patience.

“We’re working closely to support our market traders and town centre businesses and will keep people up to date as the project progresses – please sign up to our regular monthly email newsletter and also keep an eye on the council’s social media channels.”

View 01 - New Square (Ground) copy

Artists impression of New Square development in Chesterfield

All town centre businesses and market stalls will be open as usual during the regeneration work. Some market traders have temporarily re-located to either the lower half of Market Place, New Square, or other areas of the town centre nearby – but the market will run as usual on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (and speciality markets as usual on Sundays).

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield is an 18-month scheme to improve the look, feel and flow of key public spaces, and revitalise the historic market.

Further phases of works include Rykneld Square which will be transformed to create a green and welcoming space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire.

Separately, G F Tomlinson will carry out improvements to Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

Questions about Revitalisng the Heart of Chesterfield can be submitted to the project team by emailing: RHOCEnquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

For more information or to sign up for project updates by email, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Group of people stood beside construction site at Chesterfield Market

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Green Flag number eight for Hollingwood Hub

The Chesterfield Canal Trust is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Hollingwood Hub. This is the eighth year in a row that it has received this accreditation – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Rod Auton, Trust Secretary, said “We are delighted to receive this award again. It is always good to know that an impartial body recognises the work put in to make the Hub such a tranquil place to visit.

“Obviously our many gardeners deserve much praise, but many other volunteers help to keep the area so pleasant. This includes those who work in the shop, who crew on our tripboat Madeline and who run the watersports hire business. The wonderful staff at Katey’s Coffee Shop provide welcome smiles and delicious cakes to complete your visit.”

Hollingwood Hub is not the only part of the Chesterfield Canal to receive the award. The whole of the eastern section of the canal, 31 miles between Kiveton Park and West Stockwith which is owned and managed by the Canal & River Trust, has also received a Green Flag.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Hollingwood Hub on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“It is a vital green space for communities to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for canal users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that the volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, so everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.

“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

Earlier this year a study rated Chesterfield as the best town in the UK for access to green spaces.  Find out more about why Chesterfield is a great place to live at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. Find out more about Chesterfield Champions at www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions.

Gardening at the Hollingwood Hub

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

New businesses set up shop in Chesterfield Market Hall

Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall has welcomed several new traders as the building in the heart of our town continues to evolve.

The Catch have taken a unit inside selling fresh fish, Blueberry Café is operating the Market Hall Café and Galaxy Travel have taken a unit on the outside of the Market Hall.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is always a pleasure to be able to welcome businesses into the Market Hall. There is a fantastic variety selling everything including luxury goods, fresh produce, carpets, wool, and so much more. I’d encourage everyone to go and support these great independent businesses in our town.

“The Market Hall is a fantastic place to do business, it sits right in the heart of our town centre, includes a strong community of businesses that work together, with the offer of affordable rents for small businesses to start and to grow.

“With the works planned through our Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project a strong future lies ahead for the Market Hall, with an expanded events space and a revitalised outdoor market the Hall will become an even more important focal point in our town.

“I hope all these businesses will settle into their new premises and have a successful future in the town centre.”

The Catch opened in May and offer a wide range of fresh fish prepared by expert fishmongers.

Aashirvad and Manu, the owners of The Catch, said: “We’re excited to share our passion for fish and its health benefits with the community! We will save you the prep work by cutting and cleaning your fish exactly as you like. We offer pre-orders to ensure we can provide exactly what you desire, along with a wide variety of cuts to suit your preference.

“From whole fish for the adventurous cook to convenient pre-portioned options, The Catch is your one-stop shop for fresh, delicious seafood.”

Blueberry Café has been appointed to run the Market Hall Café and they took over the operation of the café in March.

James Shawe, owner of Blueberry Café, said: “We are delighted to be running the café in the Market Hall. Established in 2008, we have carefully grown the business and are always looking for exciting new opportunities.

“Working with Chesterfield Borough Council has given us the opportunity to invest in the café, protect jobs and develop the business to ensure we continue to offer a superb range of products and services for all visitors to Chesterfield.”

Galaxy Travel has recently taken on one of the units on the outside of the Market Hall. A local taxi and travel firm the company provides a service for any occasion including local trips, nights out, minibus hire, or an airport transfer.

David Lewis, owner of Galaxy Travel, said: “We chose to base our local taxi business in Chesterfield town centre, specifically in the vibrant Market Hall, as we believe in supporting and being a part of the thriving community of traders. Our dedication to providing fast, reliable, and helpful taxi service is enriched by the bustling energy and charm of this historic town. We are proud to be a part of Chesterfield’s dynamic business landscape.”

Markan Foods Limited who will be specialising in Nigerian food will also be setting up in the Market Hall very soon.

With the ongoing multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, that will transform the look, feel and flow of the town’s key public spaces, now is a fantastic time to set up your business in the Market Hall.

The Market Hall benefits from a central location, offers affordable rents for small businesses and flexible terms for leasing premises.

If you’re interested in setting up a business in Chesterfield Market Hall, contact Hannah Ramsdale or Claire Cunningham on 01246 345255 or email economic.development@chesterfield.gov.uk. Looking for further information about why Chesterfield is a great place to invest? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Chesterfield is home to many independent retailers, cafes and restaurants, who are all ready and waiting to provide you with a great experience. Find out more about visiting our town here.

 

 

 

Birdseye view of Chesterfield market place with stalls and people

 

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Chesterfield business leaders react to Labour’s general election win

The Chair of Destination Chesterfield and the Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber have both given their views on the general election result.

This morning, it has been confirmed that the Labour Party will govern the country after securing a large majority in the commons.

Reacting to this morning’s news, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to the new Prime Minister, and to all candidates who took part in the election campaign.

“Countless hours of work go into campaigning ahead of a general election, ensuring voters are well informed of each party’s priorities.

“A change in leadership for the country will mean potential new opportunities for Chesterfield, as we look forward to unlocking further investment for our region.

“Recent regeneration projects which have taken place across Chesterfield show that partnership working between the public and private sectors are vital to boosting growth and jobs. Therefore, we are eager to continue this collaboration with the government to put forward Chesterfield’s case for further growth and investment in the future.”

peter swallow speaking at Celebrate

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber also reiterated the fact that government must play its part in unlocking economic growth for the region.

He said: “Business wants the best outcomes that will remove barriers to economic growth in the East Midlands and we look forward to hearing the new Government’s plans as soon as possible.

“Government’s purpose is to create an economic environment that allows businesses to invest, to create and sustain jobs – and then to get out of the way to allow business to thrive. That’s what the business community needs for growth in the East Midlands and we stand ready to advise and hold the new government to account at both national and regional level to ensure that enacting the needs of our region’s businesses is top of the list.

“Business currency is confidence – confidence means growth, investment into people, plant and machinery and digital transformation. Our Manifesto for Growth sets out what businesses in the East Midlands need across the areas of Investment, Innovation, International Trade and Infrastructure. We’ve presented it to Westminster; it’s ready for the new government to get on with and I urge its implementation.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is ideally located to be the base for your business.

Scott Knowles

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

 

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Forge Bakehouse opens tasty new location in Chesterfield town centre

A new bakery and cafe is opening its doors in Chesterfield town centre, offering artisan breads, pastries and more tasty treats.

Sheffield’s Forge Bakehouse is continuing its expansion with the launch of a new location in The Pavements Shopping Centre.

Forge Bakehouse already has shops and cafes in Sheffield’s Abbeydale, Beauchief, Lodge Moor and Dronfield as well as an outlet at the Forum in Sheffield city centre and at Sheffield Station.

Having achieved success in the city, the bakery has invested in a new location here in Chesterfield.

“Having established ourselves successfully in Sheffield, we felt the time was right for expansion and recognised there is demand for our range of products in North East Derbyshire,” said Forge Bakehouse owner Liva Guest.

“The core of our success is the continued use of the finest quality ingredients and a team of fantastic chefs, bakers and baristas.

“Dronfield proved extremely popular with customers as soon as we opened at the Civic Centre and Chesterfield is just as successful.

“Chesterfield is such a vibrant and welcoming traditional shopping centre and our visitors are already enjoying the opportunity to call in at Forge Bakehouse for a break.

“The location we have selected within the Pavements Shopping Centre is convenient and extremely attractive and makes a welcome addition to our portfolio.”

Forge Bakehouse produces an acclaimed range of artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and savouries at its Abbeydale bakery which are sold through the company’s shops and are also available for weddings, corporate events, markets and meetings.

The cafes have also established a strong reputation for their range of coffees and teas, with a team of experiences baristas making regular innovative additions to their offer.

At the same time, the addition of new savoury lines like the Forge Bakehouse melted cheese croissant has increased the brand’s popularity as both an eat-in and take-out destination.

To find out more about Forge Bakehouse and its full range of products and services visit www.forgebakehouse.co.uk

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, stated: “We are excited to see Forge Bakehouse investing in our town centre. Chesterfield is an excellent location for investment, offering a vibrant community, a deep historical heritage, and great connectivity.

“The town’s blend of modern conveniences and traditional charm creates a perfect environment for businesses to succeed and develop.”

Chesterfield is home to many independent cafes, restaurants and bars serving up a range of cuisines and tasty treats. Find out more about eating out in our town here. 

Exterior of bakery in shopping centre with yellow signage

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield manufacturers encouraged to inspire future talent as businesses celebrate 10 years of innovative scheme

Businesses are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the renowned Made in Chesterfield initiative, which brings together schools and local firms to close skills gaps in the town.

Designed to spark interest in manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers among young people, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for businesses in those key sectors to inspire the future workforce.

Destination Chesterfield is seeking companies to participate in this year’s Made in Chesterfield scheme. By engaging with school pupils, your business can offer firsthand insights into the exciting career paths within these crucial sectors.

Celebrating a decade of partnership and collaboration, the Made in Chesterfield campaign will run throughout October 2024.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest, the campaign has a proven track record of success.

Since 2014, over 3,500 students have explored career opportunities in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors.

Chesterfield College Group, the project’s headline sponsor, has witnessed a surge in students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects, underscoring the campaign’s significant impact.

Julie Richards OBE, CEO of Chesterfield College Group, shared: “Supporting Made in Chesterfield aligns with our mission to connect students with employers, providing inspiration and creating opportunities for successful careers. Our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science Centre and involvement in the town’s new Construction Skills Hub highlight our dedication to providing the best career opportunities for young people in engineering and construction.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “With an ageing workforce creating a skills gap in manufacturing, it’s crucial to cultivate new talent. These tours and interactions give young people invaluable insights into the promising careers in STEM fields.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Made in Chesterfield, facilitating connections between employers and young people. This initiative provides meaningful experiences, raising awareness of local opportunities and helping employers meet potential future employees.”

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to Chesterfield’s future. Learn more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield by visiting https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contacting Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Insurance and risk management company expands to new Chesterfield office

PIB, an insurance brokerage and risk management company has announced the opening of a new branch in Chesterfield.

The new site is designed to enhance the company’s service delivery and support in the midlands.

Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub for the firm, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.

The facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive programmes for colleagues and the businesses supported by PIB. The company’s training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to clients’ requirements.

PIB has highlighted Chesterfield’s strategic location as a key strength of the new premises. The team says it will benefit from our town’s robust travel network, with the branch offering easy access for clients and employees alike. Proximity to major motorways, public transport links, and ample parking ensures that reaching the branch is convenient, whether for a business meeting or a training session.

The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand PIB’s footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, the business says it is better positioned to meet the needs of clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens ties with the community.

Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, commented, “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “We’re delighted to see PIB investing in Chesterfield. Our town is a great place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location, affordability, and supportive business community.

“With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential. It is particularly pleasing to see business confidence in Chesterfield reflected by further evidence of companies looking to expand and relocate here.”

Want to find out more about what Chesterfield can offer your business? Find out more about the benefits of investing in Chesterfield here.

Chesterfield Office PIB

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms to launch sequel to popular Rob the Bank game

Town centre visitor attraction, Chesterfield Escape Rooms is set to launch a new game, which follows on from one of its most popular experiences.

Those familiar with the Rob the Bank game will get the chance to continue the adventure, with Rob the Bank 2 set to launch later this summer.

To build the exciting new game, the attraction has worked alongside fellow Chesterfield Champion business, FWD Motion to sustainably design the new room.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms chose FWD Motion to help eliminate single-use plastics and implement an effective upcycling initiative across their organisation.

Nick Hogan, Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, explained: “As a small business it can be difficult to build effective sustainable strategies, but when we decided to create a new set of escape rooms, we placed sustainability at the forefront of our thought process. We didn’t want to simply rip and replace – it was a case of considering what we could recycle, and most importantly, upcycle.”

Nick Hogan Chesterfield Escape Rooms

In search of an alternative solution to business-as-usual, Hogan approached FWD Motion. He commented: “We have had a working relationship with FWD for over 3 years, and in a recent account meeting we heard about their ability to print directly to MDF fire-rated board – which is the material we use for all our structural game build work. Realising we could print over and upcycle our old boards completely transformed our design process, and we quickly got to work with FWD’s creative team to produce the visual effects we needed. We’re delighted with the results!”

FWD Motion’s recent investment in a new sustainable printer enables them to print directly to board. Unlike solvent-based inks, its UV ink technology eliminates the need for vinyl and laminates – reducing single-use plastic consumption and ensuring a longer lifespan for their vibrant print solutions.

“Printing directly to board is a massive step forward for many businesses like Chesterfield Escape Rooms, who regularly rely on bespoke designs and installations to keep their experience up to date,” said David Whiteley, Director of FWD Motion. “By using our new sustainable printing technology, Chesterfield Escape Rooms managed to save approximately 66 metres of vinyl and 66 metres of laminate – and it doesn’t stop there. Now, when their rooms next need updating, we can take the same boards and print over them again and again.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion are keen to continue working together and are already discussing joint projects for the future.

Whiteley concluded: “We are incredibly pleased to have supported Nick and the team at Chesterfield Escape Rooms over recent years and are now even happier to help them achieve their sustainability goals. By reprinting and reusing the same MDF boards and wall graphics, we can help them prevent unnecessary waste in landfills and drive a more environmentally responsible future.”

Speaking in more detail about what people can expect from Rob the Bank 2, Nick Hogan added: “This is a change of business model for us because this game will be able to support up to 12 players rather than six. This new game will require a minimum of four players.

“You’ve got to keep things as fresh as they possibly can, but there are huge amounts of work undertaken to change an Escape Room. This particular build will take around three months, but we will continue to keep things fresh in the coming years. We’ve had in excess of 30,000 players since opening three years ago, but I can say to all players that this new game will be bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

Booking will soon be available for the new game on the Chesterfield Escape Rooms website: https://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Escape Room 873x466

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Women in engineering celebrated across Chesterfield

Women working in our town’s manufacturing and engineering sector will be celebrated on Sunday 23rd June, as part of International Women in Engineering Day.

The day aims to raise awareness of careers in the sector for women, with 2021 figures showing that just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are female.

With many businesses in Chesterfield working to reduce skills gaps in their workforces, attracting a diverse range of skilled people is a key priority for the future.

Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai commented: “Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day is not just about recognising the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide, but also about inspiring future generations to break barriers, innovate without limits, and reshape the world with their ingenuity and passion.

“I would strongly recommend that young women and girls across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to look into what a rewarding career in our sector can offer. By encouraging more women to work in engineering, we are able to futureproof our businesses and help them to thrive for future generations.”

Women are contributing towards the success of many manufacturing and engineering businesses across Chesterfield. Find out more in our showcase below:

NIBE Energy Systems

Woman stood next to industrial machinery wearing yellow shirt

Phoebe Maxfield – NIBE Energy Systems

NIBE is working to create the energy systems of the future right here in Chesterfield. The company boasts a dedicated training centre in our town to train up heat pump installers. Heat pumps provide homes with heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water to create a perfect indoor climate with minimal impact on nature

Phoebe Maxfield works in the technical department at NIBE in Chesterfield, and shared her experiences.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

I have always been a very hands on person, taking things apart and putting them back together to figure out the “Why?” of how things work. It was also about breaking the mould.

Why do you love working in the sector?

You can never know everything, there is always something to learn. Working with a team with the experience that NIBE Technical has means that every day is a school day.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

My advice would be to go for it. Experience isn’t always necessary with tools and software. If you have a desire to learn and can find a training provider or employer who is willing to support you, there is an opportunity for everyone.

NeoDyne

neodyne women in engineering

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu (L), Megan McLoughlin (R) – NeoDyne

NeoDyne delivers leading-edge system integration, digital manufacturing and electrical engineering solutions & services to the life science, food & beverage, data centre and energy sectors.

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu works as an MES developer creating software for NeoDyne, while Megan McLoughlin is an automation engineer for the company.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Megan: Growing up I always enjoyed maths and science in school, in particular the problem solving and practical aspects. When considering different careers I found that engineering provided a way for me to apply these skills whilst getting to work in a team environment.

Aiswaryalakshmi: I have a strong interest in STEM courses and enjoy problem-solving, so I decided to pursue a career in engineering. I saw fantastic job options in the field, was motivated to dispel prejudices by role models, and felt inspired by them. My choice was also heavily influenced by the opportunity to truly influence society and the growing acceptance of diversity.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Megan: No two days are the same! As an engineer I get to work on projects from a variety of different sectors including energy, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical, and develop skills using a range of new exciting technologies.

Aiswaryalakshmi: As a MES developer at NeoDyne UK, I enjoy working in the manufacturing industry because it gives me the opportunity to close the gap between operations and IT and immediately enhance the effectiveness and quality of production. Observing the direct results of my work on the shop floor makes me happy, and I relish the challenge of using technology to optimize procedures. I like working in varied teams to promote creativity and address practical issues. I stay interested because of the lively, practical atmosphere. Furthermore, NeoDyne UK is an excellent environment to advance professionally and make a significant contribution due to its supportive culture and dedication to quality.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Megan: Engineering is such a great career as everyday is a learning day, you get to network with so many different people, work in a team, and often travel to different projects in the UK and abroad!

Aiswaryalakshmi: Open the doors to countless prospects in the manufacturing sector! Your creativity, tenacity, and resourcefulness are the engines that drive breakthrough discoveries and game-changing fixes. As you set out to redefine what is possible, follow your curiosity. Take on challenges as chances to show off your abilities and make an impact on the world. The manufacturing industry has a promising future awaiting your bravery and tenacity. Join us in building an infinitely inventive future !

MSE Hiller

Ros and Rebeckah MSE

Ros Fomin (L) and Rebekah Linacre (R) MSE Hiller

MSE Hiller supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK.

Rebekah Linacre is the company’s Commercial Manager, and covers the H&S aspect of MSE. Ros is a Technical Sales Engineer, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Ros: I was interested in solving problems and designing from a young age, and I was fortunate to have family and teachers who actively encouraged me to pursue a career in Engineering – in hindsight it wasn’t until I was older that I was exposed to the (ridiculous!) idea it couldn’t be for women, by which time it was too late!

Beckie: After leaving university, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. So I didn’t narrow down my options. I focused on finding a career that remained interesting and provided constant learning opportunities. This led to skills in managing health and safety, which forms a foundation to then work on a wide range of projects, adapting my skills and experience in different settings. Engineering opens so many doors.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Ros: For us, in Wastewater, the sector is so varied, with every project and customer being totally unique. I’ve seen behind the scenes at food factories, been to stunning remote sites in Scotland, and recently visited suppliers in Italy, so I’d say the constantly changing work and experiences is something I love about the sector.

Beckie: I am especially interested in supporting the development of infrastructure that affects us all on a daily basis, without even realising. No day is the same and you can specialise in topics or jobs that you may never knew even existed.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Ros: Engineering has a breadth of options within it, so don’t be put off by what you might have in mind as “Engineering” – if you’re interested in why things work, figuring out a tricky solution, or love making ideas into a reality, then a career in Engineering could be for you.

Beckie: I think the most important thing is to find something you enjoy or that uses skills that you are keen to develop. Engineering is multi faceted, so there are many different options to pursue, that you may not traditionally think of;- research, visit engineering businesses and determine if the options available align with what you are interested in.  In a world moving towards greater gender balance and equality, don’t consider gender as being something that inhibits you from pursuing working in a sector that entices you.

Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett - Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett is a joiner at Pinelog Ltd, a manufacturer of bespoke timber lodges based in Chesterfield.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Clare joined the company six years ago after discovering a love for joinery while helping a friend build a shepherd’s hut. Joining Pinelog was significant career change for Clare. Previously she was employed as a classroom assistant.

Since joining Pinelog, Clare has been trained in all aspects of the manufacturing process from timber frame construction and cladding to spray painting and internal fit out.

Why do you love working in the sector?

“I really like the fact the job is physical, and that I am constantly moving, Because the lodges are bespoke, every day is different. It’s fantastic to see a finished lodge and know that I have played a role in creating it.”

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Clare has two teenage daughters and is using her experience to guide their future careers. She added: “Through my own experience in manufacturing, I have encouraged my daughters to get training in a trade.”

Looking to kickstart your career in engineering? Find out about the range of apprenticeships available in the sector here.

Businesses looking to diversify and upskill their workforce are encouraged to contact the Chesterfield Borough Council skills brokerage team to discuss their needs. Find out more about the service here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

New mural unveiled in Chesterfield

A powerful new mural has been unveiled in Chesterfield, by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to remember Tom Henson, who sadly died in 2018 aged just 23, after having a cardiac arrest while playing football with his friends. The striking mural is part of a new campaign by the BHF to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death.

Tom’s mural is one of 12 unveiled across the country as part of the BHF campaign. As the UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off, each painting commemorates a talented young footballer or fan who died too soon.

Nikki and Shaun O’Halloran, Tom’s mother and stepfather, have set up the Tom Henson Charity, raising money for community defibrillators, so far helping provide 34 defibrillators across local communities.

Nikki said: “I think Tom would be happy that his story is helping raise awareness of sudden cardiac death. If just one person gets checked out and gets a heart diagnosis, or someone learns CPR, it’s worth it.”

Located at Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, the mural features the emotive message ‘Til I Died’. At a time when people are looking forward to watching the month-long football festival with their family and friends, for families like Tom’s, it is yet another poignant reminder of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Each week, 12 young people under the age of 35 are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. However, new research from the BHF reveals that the nation is largely unaware of the devastating effect heart disease has on young people.

A nationally representative survey has revealed that over a quarter of Brits (27%) don’t believe a heart condition can affect you if you are aged under 35. Those surveyed also severely underestimated the number of under 35s that die each week from sudden cardiac death, with most thinking it was seven people – almost half less than the shocking reality in the UK.

If you are looking for ideas of where to watch the Euros in Chesterfield check out our blog at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2024/06/its-coming-home-heres-where-you-can-catch-all-the-action-from-euro-2024-in-chesterfield/

Chesterfield has a range of artworks and murals across the town.  You can discover more of them on our art trail walking routes at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2023/05/chesterfield-art-trail-walking-routes/

Images: Adrian Brown / British Heart Foundation

British Heart Foundation Mural in Chesterfield

British Heart Foundation Mural in Chesterfield. Photo: Adrian Brown

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Next major phase of town centre regeneration work set to start in July

The next phase of the regeneration of Chesterfield town centre is set to start in July – with experienced contractor, Thomas Bow, now appointed to take the project forward.

The multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project includes a range of improvement works to transform the look, feel and flow of the town’s key public spaces. The works are due to start on 1 July and will take eighteen months to complete.

The project will begin in Market Square, where improvements will create a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting, before moving on to New Square, where works will be carried out to create an attractive flexible space to support both traditional and speciality markets and a wider range of uses. The final phase will involve improvement works to Rykneld Square.

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

Separately, GF Tomlinson will carry out improvements to Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Stephenson Memorial Hall

A spokesperson for the council said: “We’re pleased to confirm Thomas Bow as our contractor and look forward to the project gathering pace over the coming weeks – with work due to start next month. The town centre will remain open for business, although inevitably the work will cause some short-term disruption and we thank people in advance for their patience.

“We have a detailed plan to support our market traders and town centre businesses throughout the improvement works, and we’ll also be making sure we keep members of the public up to date by sharing information as the work progresses.

“We’d encourage people to sign up to our regular monthly email newsletter via our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise – and also keep an eye on the council’s social media channels for the latest updates.”

Thomas Bow is an experienced civil engineering contractor having worked on major public realm regeneration projects in cities across the midlands, including Lincoln, Nottingham and Leicester. They will be operating a site office from Low Pavement and from where members of the public will be able to view the plans and find out more about how the project is progressing.

John Allen, Construction Director from Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to secure this important scheme with Chesterfield Borough Council. As a local contractor with significant experience in successful public realm delivery across the midlands, our teams are very much looking forward to embarking on this project in the coming months.”

Residents are also asked to note that, due to the timing of the improvement works, Chesterfield’s Medieval Market will not take place this year. The council is working with the local charities which usually fund-raise at the July event to provide alternative opportunities for them to take market stalls on speciality market days.

The next Peddler Market will go ahead as planned on 19 and 20 July – within its self-contained location on New Square, which won’t be affected by the works until later in the year.

Crowds enjoying food at colourful market in Chesterfield

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the Medieval Market this year, as key areas of the main market square will be undergoing improvement works.

“However, there are many more great family-friendly events taking place across the summer period and, in the longer term, the improvement works will create more space and flexibility for a range of town centre events and celebrations.

“We’ll also be launching a new public art project. It will include an artist in residency, art trails and an exhibition in the town centre, with the aim of encouraging people to visit and support local businesses whilst the regeneration project proceeds.”

You can find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and sign up for email newsletter updates by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

View 01 - New Square (Ground) copy

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Visiting