chesterfield business news

Staveley’s £25m regeneration plans to be put under the spotlight at Celebrate Chesterfield 2021

Forging ahead with regeneration plans in lockdown, the latest developments for the Staveley area will be unveiled at the tenth annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Wednesday 31 March.

The ambitious £25 million plans for the Staveley area were submitted to the Government as part of its Town Deal programme back in December.

Chair of Staveley Town Deal Board Ivan Fomin, who is also the Managing Director at MSE Hiller and a Destination Chesterfield board member, will be speaking at the virtual event at which he will call on the business community to help drive forward the area’s regeneration and take advantage of the opportunities it will create.

He commented: “Staveley is blessed with great assets including land for development, heritage buildings and transport links, but these all need investment and local leadership to drive forward the growth and prosperity of the area. At a time when Covid-19 has re-energised the discussion about the use of outdoor spaces, we also have a unique opportunity to link Chesterfield and Staveley to the national canal network for the first time in 113 years.”

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Chesterfield Borough Council, will also be speaking at the event, which will be live streamed and boast a 3D virtual exhibition.

Mr Bowen will be updating on the progress the town is making with multi-million pound commercial and residential developments, including Chesterfield Waterside and the new seven-storey office block – One Waterside Place.

Ivan Fomin and Huw Bowen will also be joined by Andy Dabbs (Chair) and Jillian Mitchell (Vice Chair) of the newly formed Property and Construction Group, who will also be speaking at the event.

Now in its tenth year, Celebrate Chesterfield, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with Addooco IT, is one of the most hotly anticipated business events in the area and never more so that in the wake of the pandemic.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Whilst it has been a challenging year for us all, we’re delighted with the progress Chesterfield has made during the Covid-19 pandemic – there are a lot of achievements to celebrate which we will be sharing at the event. We have not stood still a through 2020 and because of this we go into 2021 in excellent shape.

“The Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside developments have made some significant steps and continue to move forward at pace. This, along with the regeneration plans for the Staveley area, it’s safe to say this is an exciting time for Chesterfield.”

Celebrate Chesterfield 2021 is being sponsored by technology specialist Addooco IT Ltd. University of Derby, Whittam Cox Architects and Markham Vale – Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, join headline sponsor Addooco IT as associate sponsors.

Richard Walters, Managing Director of Addooco IT Ltd, commented: “The concept of ‘Celebrating Chesterfield’ really resonates with me as there is such a rich history of innovation here. Recognising the great work Destination Chesterfield does for organisations in the area, I am delighted that Addooco is the headline sponsor for Celebrate Chesterfield.”

Dr Paula Holt MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby said: “We are delighted to be working with Destination Chesterfield to support the Celebrate Chesterfield event again this year. As Derbyshire’s only university, we look to use our academic expertise, research and innovation to foster talent and create impactful partnerships with business.

“The Celebrate Chesterfield event provides a great opportunity for us to have valuable conversations that enable us to understand more about the challenges local businesses face. Our priority remains to effectively service the needs of businesses – creating opportunities for individuals, employers and communities to develop and deliver positive impact on the economic prosperity, health and well-being of the region.”

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects, comments: “As a local practice we are delighted to be working with Destination Chesterfield to support this year’s Celebrate Chesterfield event. This year is particularly exciting for us, as it will see the launch of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Forum. The formation of the forum has already had some success in bringing together a network of local property professionals whilst also providing a collaborative platform for engagement with the Local Authority. Although it has been a challenging year, Chesterfield has made some fantastic progress, and the Celebrate Chesterfield event will provide a great opportunity to share this.”

Anthony Clitheroe, Director at HBD, development partner for the Markham Vale site commented: “Our ongoing commitment to the regeneration of Markham Vale has seen momentous change of this area over the years, increasing job opportunities for local workers and ensuring a continued boost to Chesterfield’s economy.

“Alongside Derbyshire County Council, we’re looking forward to continuing the success of 2020 and securing new occupiers at Markham Vale.”

Tickets for the free morning event, which is being held from 8:30am – 10:00am, are available to book now.

To book your place at the event, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Kids Planet set to open new outdoor learning spaces in Chesterfield

Kids Planet, an early years’ education and care provider which operates five centres across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire is set to open brand new outdoor areas at two of its sites.

The company currently runs nurseries in Chesterfield, Newbold, Sheepbridge, Brampton and North Wingfield after adding them to its portfolio of centres across the UK in April 2019.

Brand new outdoor spaces will be open for children to use at both the Sheepbridge and Chesterfield sites by the end of March. At the Sheepbridge centre, a new outdoor area with a ‘Forest School’ built within it will be offering classes to children.

Since acquiring the Chesterfield nurseries, the company has made considerable internal investments towards furniture, resources, and equipment.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet said: “We continually reflect on any improvements that need to be made to our portfolio. All Kids Planet nurseries undergo reflective analysis and the investment goes into our nurseries to nurture and develop our children on an ongoing basis.

“As a group, we have always been incredibly focused on children’s interests being at the heart of everything we do. As such, investment in our resources – both inside and outdoors- are purposely placed to support and extend a child’s learning.”

“As with any portfolio in our nursery group, we identify on a rolling programme the improvements that need to be made and look to make any necessary changes. For example, our Chesterfield and Sheepbridge nursery gardens are currently undergoing a full refurbishment to include all-weather play areas, sensory planting areas, a mud kitchen and story corners.”

You can find out more about Kids Planet’s centres across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire here: www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk/chesterfield-nurseries

You can also sign up to one of Kids Planet’s open days, taking place on Saturday, 6th March 10am-2pm on their website: www.kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk/about-us/kids-planet-march-open-days/

Kids Planet supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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MyFuture careers platform shortlisted for prestigious industry award

An innovative online careers and employability platform, which was launched to Year 11 and 13 school leavers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire last year, has been shortlisted in the Careers Development Institute (CDI) Awards 2021.

Since its launch, on GCSE results day, the MyFuture platform has helped hundreds of young people gain access to high-quality careers advice, employment support, and skills and educational programmes during the pandemic.

The online platform has been shortlisted in the Innovative and Impactful Employer Engagement category in the annual industry awards which identify and promote excellence in career development. The category is sponsored by the Department for Education (DfE) and CXK, a careers advice charity.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, MyFuture plugs the careers information gap left by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The innovative platform, which is believed to be a world first, was designed by Chesterfield-based Oasis Studio. It features around 100 virtual exhibition pods across 10 zones, providing advice on careers, transition, and employment in 16 sectors.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that our My Future project has been recognised in this way. Our team have spearheaded this project as part of our Economic Recovery plans, working closely with our partners to help ensure the My Future online platform provides valuable information on careers and skills development for young people in Chesterfield. We will continue to support and develop this platform and I want to encourage young people to log in because it will help them plan their future in our borough.”

Dom Stevens Destination Chesterfield Manager added: “Everyone worked tremendously hard in a very short timeframe to get MyFuture up and running and it has been incredibly well received by all users. To be recognised by the Careers Development Institute is testimony to the strong partnerships that exist in Chesterfield that together make positive changes happen for everyone who lives, works and does business here.”

D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub Lead Dan Heffernan said: “Connecting young people to their future careers becomes an even higher priority during economic crisis as younger workers are at much higher risk of becoming casualties of recession. We are therefore delighted that this project has been recognised by the CDI for the value that it brings to young people across North Derbyshire. It is our hope that any publicity generated by this recognition will encourage further collaborative efforts not just in D2N2 but nationally. Only by working together are we going to weather the economic storm generated by the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

MyFuture is shortlisted alongside Creative Careers Programme and Discover! Creative Careers Week, Creative and Cultural Skills and Whole School Career Day 5th March 2020, Huntcliff School, Gainsborough. The winner of the category will be announced next month on Wednesday 10 March.

MyFuture is one of two North Derbyshire projects to be shortlisted in this year’s Careers Development Institute Awards. Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) has also been shortlisted for the Best Practice Award – Careers Programme in a Special School or College category for its Project SEARCH.

To view MyFuture please visit www.myfuture.org.uk

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

New home for Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness

Europe’s largest hot tub and swim spa distributor Superior Wellness, based in Chesterfield has purchased a new 130,000 square foot warehouse, distribution centre and office.

The move is set to spearhead the company’s plans and help it become the world market leader in hot tubs and swim spas, offering a global choice of high quality products.

The team will move into their new home in the spring, a few miles away from their current Brimington base. The size is phenomenal at 130,000 square foot and will house the warehouse, distribution centre and office, plus one of the UK’s largest hot tub showrooms for their retail division Miami Spas. The new location is almost the size of two football pitches and will be the largest hot tub distribution centre in the UK stocking up to 3,000 hot tubs.

Based centrally in the UK this will allow them to deliver products to partners and customers quicker which will increase customer satisfaction. It will enable the team to be together in one location rather than across two sites, meaning greater efficiency, improved communications as well as it being great for team culture.

It will also house training room facilities which will be used for partner and team training, in-house photographic studio and one of the UK’s largest indoor showrooms for retail and training. There will also be a focus on team wellness with an onsite Gym and Fitness Centre ‘Superior Fitness’ and team breakout areas for chill out space and relaxation or to collaborate with other teams.

The move also coincides with the 10 year anniversary of Superior Wellness which they will be celebrating in April.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director at Superior Wellness said: “I am very excited to move the whole team into our new home soon. As well as providing much needed space to store hot tubs and a larger office, I am pleased that we have been able to provide areas for the team to focus on their wellness with an onsite gym and breakout areas which will be used during lunch breaks or to collaborate with other teams. The team culture is one of the key reasons of our success and this environment will only improve it.”

Superior Wellness saw phenomenal growth in 2020 in terms of sales, revenue and team members too. This accelerated growth is one of the reasons for the move and will enable them the space to achieve their vision. They are also investing in marketing, technology, research, IT, product innovation and the customer experience. They aim to go beyond expectations in all that they do.

Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to check eligibility for grants

Chesterfield businesses are being urged to check if they are eligible for business grants which can help them cover costs during lockdown.

Detailed information on business grants is available on the Chesterfield Borough Council website. Some of the grant schemes, including the Additional Restrictions Support Grant have been available to apply for since early January, but there are still a number of eligible businesses that have not yet applied.

New information regarding the Taxi Driver Support Grant and Additional Restrictions Grant has been added to the website – eligible businesses and individuals are being urged to apply as soon as possible.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for business transformation and customers, said: “These grants are a vital lifeline for local businesses, and I would encourage every business owner to apply. This funding can be used to cover a variety of costs including rent on business premises and other bills.

“Our team are working hard to process these payments as quickly as possible but it’s vital that eligible businesses apply in order to access this funding.”

The process to apply for business grants through a secure online form and applicants will need to submit some evidence, including bank statements, when applying.

There are currently five different business grants available to apply for online:

– Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG-C) – for businesses that have been forced to close due to national lockdowns or local restrictions.

– Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG-O) – for businesses linked to the hospitality and leisure sectors that have remained open but were severely affected by tier 3 restrictions between 2 December and 30 December 2020.

– Additional Restrictions Grant – a discretionary scheme for businesses that are not able to claim a Local Restrictions Support Grant – Closed (LRSG-C) but have been severely impacted by national or local restrictions.

– Closed Business Lockdown Payment – a one-off top up grant to support businesses that have been forced to close during national restrictions from 5 January 2021.

– Taxi Driver Support Grant – a one-off payment to support local taxi, private hire and contract drivers who are licenced to trade in the borough of Chesterfield.

Find out more about these grants and apply online by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/bsg

anzacs chesterfield

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Chesterfield FC pledges support to Plastic Free Chesterfield

Chesterfield FC and Chesterfield FC Community Trust have both signed up to become Plastic Free Allies.

Joining forces with Plastic Free Chesterfield, both organisations are pledging to reduce their plastic waste and move away from single-use plastic to alternate solutions.

Greg Hewitt, the community lead at Plastic Free Chesterfield, said: “We’re incredibly delighted to have the support of Chesterfield Football Club and Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

“The work they do in schools, raising awareness of single-use plastic pollution is inspirational, and it is fantastic that they now wish to take this a step further by signing up to our campaign and look at reducing single-use plastics at the football club.

“Their support is a huge step forward in our campaign to make Chesterfield an accredited Plastic Free Community.”

“We now look forward to being able to support the club in their efforts as well as being able to work in partnership to develop the schools outreach work on plastics, and to roll this out across all Chesterfield schools. We encourage schools to get in touch to request this.”

Martin Thacker, co-vice chairman of the football club and a trustee of the Community Trust, signed the pledge on behalf of both organisations. He said: “We are very happy to support the work being done by Plastic Free Chesterfield to reduce the use of single-use plastic in order to protect the environment.”

Recently, Destination Chesterfield also pledged it’s support for Plastic Free Chesterfield.  Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dom Stevens said: “In 2021 we’re encouraging businesses across Chesterfield to see if they’re able to make changes to their plastic use. If we all work together then, collectively, we’ll make a big difference in reducing the environmental impact on the rivers and beautiful local landscape here in North Derbyshire.”

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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A-Line announces launch of UK Holidays and Tours company

Chesterfield-based travel company A-line has announced the opening of a new UK Holiday & Tours company located in the heart of the town.

A-Line Travel is a local, family run business best known for providing local taxi services in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, but has now expanded its operations to include trips to tourism and seaside destinations.

The company says its aim is to bring some joy and happiness to people in Chesterfield, giving residents something to look forward to again following a difficult 12 months during the global covid-19 pandemic.

The firm is predicting demand for UK-based holidays to soar in the wake of the pandemic, with already over 7 million people opting for UK coach travel each year. A-Line Travel will initially offer holidays and luxury coach travel to more than 25 UK destinations.

A-line was first founded as a taxi company in Chesterfield more than 20 years ago, serving a number areas of North Derbyshire including Clay Cross, Staveley and Bolsover, running from its office on Stephenson Place.

Following the company’s expansion, A-Line Travel has opened a new office on Soresby Street and has recruited Nicola Aldersley as its Managing Director. Nicola started her career in Chesterfield back in 1996, working for travel company Going Places. A-Line says her experience and knowledge of the industry means she is well-placed to meet the needs of Chesterfield customers.

Sales Manager Jo Shephard, who has over 14 years experience in the coach travel industry said: “UK coach holidays are becoming more and more popular each year with families, couples, singles and pensioners as they are such good value for money. Who doesn’t want a hassle free, package holiday from your local town at a fraction of the cost of a holiday abroad? We make holiday dreams a reality.”

You can find out more about A-Line Travel. and the holidays and tours being offered by the company at: www.a-linetravel.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield-based law firm Elliot Mather LLP assists Mellors Group in purchasing of Skegness Pier

East Midlands-based law firm, Elliot Mather LLP has recently acted on behalf of attractions and entertainment company, the Mellors Group in purchasing Skegness Pier, a landmark location in the Lincolnshire seaside town.

Elliot Mather LLP is one of the largest full service law firms in the East Midlands, with its head office based directly across from Chesterfield’s iconic Crooked Spire. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including businesses, entrepreneurs, individuals and families.

Natalia Delgado, Head of the Commercial Team at Elliot Mather has said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Mellors Group throughout their purchase of Skegness Pier, we have worked incredibly hard to reach this point and wish them every bit of success for their latest venture.

“At Elliot Mather we are committed to a delivering accurate and efficient legal advice to our clients, tailored specifically to suit their needs. Our team at Elliot Mather are honoured to have been part of the Mellors Group’s journey to purchasing Skegness Pier and we are sure that their latest accomplishment is bound to be a roaring success.”

The Mellors Group are a Nottingham headquartered theme park, attractions and events business who operate across the UK and Middle East. Their name is highly reputable in Skegness after their purchase of Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells in 2016.

The company also brought the observation wheel to Chesterfield Town Centre, which was visible across the town’s skyline for a number of weeks and helped to generate footfall in the town.

James Mellor (Jnr), Operations Director at Mellors Group said: “It is an exciting time for us as a family. We are committed to ensuring that our attractions are of the highest standard and we look forward to implementing our new plans for Skegness Pier”

“We can’t thank Natalia and her team enough for their dedication to this project. The service we have received has been friendly and professional at all times, tailored to suit our needs – thank you Elliot Mather.”

Elliot Mather LLP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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HS2 Phase 2b critical to business confidence, says East Midlands Chamber director

Investing in key infrastructure projects like HS2 are crucial to rebuilding the confidence of investors in the post-Covid world, an East Midlands business leader has claimed.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, warned the Government that failure to back the Eastern Leg of the high-speed rail line would affect sentiment in the region – with tangible knock-on impacts that would stifle job creation and economic growth.

He was speaking at the Levelling Up webinar hosted by transport body Midlands Connect shortly after it was announced that Phase 2a – connecting the West Midlands to Crewe – had been given royal assent in Parliament.

The future of HS2 Phase 2b – which will connect Birmingham and Leeds via a new East Midlands station in Toton and Sheffield, along with a spur of the line bringing HS2 trains to Chesterfield station – is uncertain after the National Infrastructure Commission recommended a scaled-back version of this line to stop at East Midlands Parkway station.

Businesses need solid Government commitments to plan ahead

Asked by The Sunday Times’ deputy political editor Caroline Wheeler what impact transport investment had on private sector confidence, Chris said: “It has a massive impact and I’d turn it the other way around to say that a lack of investment knocks confidence.

“It’s fantastic news that HS2 Phase 2a has been granted royal assent but there’s still uncertainty in the East Midlands about what’s going to happen to Phase 2b.

“That has a knock-on impact on confidence. When I speak to particularly our larger members, when they assess their asset plans in their various estates, they’re looking over decades rather than years.

“They want to know what the future holds and it’s really important the Government and policymakers don’t underestimate the impact of continually putting off decisions or making firm commitments to projects like this.”

Confidence might not be tangible, but the impact of it is

Chris also highlighted the importance of the connections that businesses, whether they trade locally or internationally, have to physical locations.

“They feel a commitment to the place they’re situated,” he said. “When I talk to members, they’ll talk about being a ‘Mansfield business’ or a ‘Market Harborough business’ – they feel real affinity to where they are as they’re often run by local people and employ people in their communities.

“So they want to buy into an exciting vision of what the future looks like for their business, families and communities they serve. Actually having a plan for infrastructure investment and seeing it take place gives confidence and makes businesses already here want to grow and invest.

“For those companies that are looking to move out of London or the South East – or potentially bring supply chains closer to home – they want to be excited about where they’re doing that so there’s a massive link between transport investment and confidence.

“And while confidence doesn’t feel tangible, the impacts of it very much are so it’s very important to see that investment going forward.”

Chris also spoke about a lack of quality work spaces hampering the influx of inward investment enquiries received by Derby, Leicester and Nottingham during the pandemic as more companies look to leave London, as well as the importance of embracing the region’s thriving advanced logistics sector.

Other panellists at the Midlands Connect Levelling Up webinar were Jane Stevenson MP, former Bassetlaw MP Lord John Mann and Lord Ravensdale, co-chair of the Midlands Engine All-Party Parliamentary Group.

The next event to be held in the webinar series will explore decarbonisation and takes place on Thursday 18 February. For more details, click here.

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Chesterfield packaging specialist Robinson Acquires Danish Business

Robinson – the Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging – has acquired the Danish company Schela Plast.

This major investment is part of the company’s dynamic development strategy allowing Robinson to continue to build on its bespoke, customised model and align with its multi-national customers on the back of three years of successful growth.

Offering a complete packaging solution, from cap to bottle, the acquisition of Schela Plast adds geographical reach into Northern Europe further strengthening Robinson’s existing position in the UK and Eastern Europe.

Schela Plast, located near Billund in Denmark, currently employs over 40 people, serving both local and international markets in similar sectors to Robinson. Schela Plast is aligned in the market sectors that we serve and similarly has seen an increase in demand for personal care and household product packaging due to the Covid pandemic.

Established in 1971 Schela Plast offers extrusion blow moulded (EBM) packaging and in 2020 produced more than 50 million products. The company boasts both tool making and product design capability and a very broad range of bottle and container sizes.

With high usage of recycled content and renewable materials, its sustainable portfolio marries up perfectly with Robinson’s. The additional technical and design capabilities will help continue to meet the growing needs of Robinson’s customers, while increasing capacity and delivering mutual benefit for Robinson and its customers.

Robinson will continue to invest in new machinery in both the UK and Poland to ensure they remain agile and flexible in decision making and speed of execution as they support key customers locally.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says the acquisition is an exciting evolution in the Robinson journey. She says: “This is the ideal progression for us, only made possible because both companies are aligned in purpose, core values, and relevance for our customer base.

“This transition is not only driven by efficiencies but more importantly, with planned expansion in our existing customer base, will create jobs in support of Robinson being a future-fit organisation. We always go above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and our planet and this acquisition adds value on so many levels”.

Robinson’s strategy to grow revenues profitably ahead of the market is supplemented with this complementary investment, enabling the business to gain scale with continued focus on serving customers in the food, homecare, and personal care markets. Both Robinson and Schela Plast are successful businesses in their own right and will learn from each other, sharing best practice across all sites.

Morten Jeppesen, Managing Director of the Schela Plast business in Denmark, says: “We are thrilled to become a part of the Robinson family, a company that holds the same ambitions and values as ourselves, prioritising its customers and its people. We are complementary organisations, with agility, confidence, and the highest customer service. Like us they are deeply committed to sustainable development and offer a unique packaging experience for a wide range of customers”.

The partnership means a more localised EBM offering for our northern European customers – key to sustainability, which is at the heart of Robinson’s business strategy. Many companies in Europe and the UK are returning to regionalised production in the pandemic and as transport is a significant contributor to carbon credentials in the supply chain, the location of Schela Plast is a valuable addition to Robinson’s sustainability strategy.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Robinson CEO, Dr Helene Roberts

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Work progresses on Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

Work on high-quality office accommodation which will support new and growing businesses in the town is on track to be complete by the summer – despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is now weatherproof – meaning another key milestone has been reached in the project programme.

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “It is fantastic to see this building progressing with such pace. Our contractor – Robert Woodhead has worked incredibly hard and overcome many challenges to make sure they can deliver this project without delay in a Covid-secure environment.

“I’m confident that this enterprise centre will provide the space and support for businesses to express their entrepreneurial spirit and start or grow local businesses in the borough. This will help ensure that we a creating a thriving borough with lots of opportunities for young people to develop excellent careers in our town.”

In January glazing was added to the building, which is of a high standard for maximum thermal efficiency. The first fix for mechanical and electrical engineering has begun and work is set to begin on the brickwork and cladding very soon.

Dan Cove, Project Manager from Robert Woodhead Limited said “Works are progressing really well despite a few challenging days with the snow and ice. The team on site are working to enhanced covid secure measures too so that has added to the operational complexities of the scheme. It’s taking shape and you can see what a great addition this will be for Chesterfield.”

Work dividing the interior and installing a lift has begun.

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “As a local practice we are delighted to see progress still being made on site despite the pandemic.

“The Enterprise Centre is such an important part of the Northern Gateway regeneration in Chesterfield, providing a new and unique commercial offer which is designed to be a catalyst for further investment and development. As well as providing high quality facilities for businesses wanting to locate in the town centre, the architecture will provide a new contemporary landmark which will enrich the urban fabric of the town.”

Contractors Robert Woodhead have also achieved an ‘excellent’ mark in the initial Considerate Constructor Scheme assessment, which aims to raise standards in the construction industry. The building also remains on target to achieve an ‘excellent’ rating for its environmental sustainability.

Find out more about office facilities at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre here.

Whittam Cox Architects and Robert Woodhead Ltd. support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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