chesterfield business news

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is officially open

Chesterfield’s new flagship enterprise centre, which will support new and expanding businesses to respectively start and grow in the town, is now officially open.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was officially opened by Councillor Terry Gilby, formerly the council’s member for economic growth who started the project in 2017, at a small ceremony on Wednesday 13 July.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, said: “The opening of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre represents the completion of the first phase of the Northern Gateway master plan. It will support local people to bring to life their business ideas and strengthen the local economy as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“We’ve built on our experiences at Tapton and Dunston Innovation Centres to develop this new building and with nine local businesses already signed up take space it is already evident that we have been successful in creating a modern environment where Chesterfield’s budding entrepreneurs can collaborate and flourish. We look forward to welcoming more tenants to the centre over the coming months.”

Roaring Mouse Public Relations have officially moved into the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, with more companies already lined up to move in over the next few months. East Midlands Chamber has also confirmed it is adding to its existing presence in the town by taking up space at the centre.

The Enterprise Centre includes 32 office suites in a range of sizes, all of which are fitted with the latest hi-tech features that are now standard requirements for modern businesses. It has conferencing facilities allowing businesses to host hybrid meetings and secure cycle parking and shower facilities to allow tenants to bike to work – supporting low carbon transport options. There are also features like break out rooms where businesses can network and find out how they can work together.

Tom Woodhead, Business Services Director at Robert Woodhead Group, said: “After a difficult start in 2020, we’re very happy to be handing over the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre to Chesterfield Borough Council. This modern facility will be extremely valuable to Chesterfield’s thriving business community, helping it to grow and flourish, especially with the hi-tech and hybrid-working features which have been included.”

But the Enterprise Centre provides much more than just office space, as tenants will be able to access bespoke business support services that can help them grow and develop, supporting the creation of more jobs and boosting the local economy.

The building also boasts some great sustainability features which will help keep energy usage down and ensure the building is fit for the future.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “We’re delighted to see the Enterprise Centre complete on site. The Centre is an important part of the Northern Gateway regeneration scheme, providing a new and unique commercial offer which is designed to be a catalyst for further investment and development.

“The project is the third generation of office development for the Council which reflects their aspirations to promote and enhance small enterprising start-up businesses.

“As a local practice, we’re passionate about the region. It has been a privilege to work with the Council to deliver a sustainable building that will help the council move towards their net zero carbon target by 2030. The sustainability agenda is hugely important to us, a critical driver in all that we do is to reduce carbon to the greatest extent possible.”

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects and Chair of Chesterfield Property and Construction Group said: “The importance of this scheme should not be underestimated. Things do not just happen! The successful delivery of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre relied on Chesterfield Borough Council creating a vision, successfully securing funding, and then labouring for many years, including navigating some incredibly challenging market conditions, to realise the delivery of a fantastic new commercial offer for the town.

“We are proud to have worked alongside the Council through all stages of the development. The true quality of a team is revealed when things don’t quite go to plan – and the pandemic certainly was not part of it. Despite such challenges, we are proud as a local practice to have supported our Town in delivering such a high-quality facility for businesses wanting to locate in the town centre. This building is further evidence that Chesterfield is open for business and is a sound investment for the future.”

The Enterprise Centre was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Laurie Thomas, Assistant Director, Programme Management Office from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said: “We believe the Northern Gateway development will help breathe new life into the area and promote the growth of business activities in the ICT and professional service-based sectors”.

“South Yorkshire Investment Fund invested £5.83m in the construction of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, signalling a boost in confidence for investors. The investment will leverage in £12.5m investment by the private sector, support the creation of 150 jobs and indirectly create further jobs once the premises are fully let.”

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre contact the Enterprise Chesterfield team by calling 01246 903 900 or emailing enterprise@chesterfield.gov.uk.

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CBE+ completes multi-million pound investment in Chesterfield manufacturing facility

Engineering supply chain solution provider CBE+ has completed the relocation of its five divisions together under one roof in a 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chesterfield.

The company, which employs 80 people, has been operating its services from two separate sites since 2017 when business owners Marie Cooper and Chris Brown acquired the 5 legacy businesses which make up CBE+ today.

CBE+ ENP – formerly Nitec UK – is the final company division to move its operations to the CBE+ headquarters, the former BG Engineering base in Chesterfield.

Five plating lines, blasting and heat treatment capabilities have now been installed on site, the £4m project is a major milestone for the business, solidifying its vision of “multiple capabilities under one roof“ and embarking on its journey to NET ZERO.

A major part of the investment included the installation of a combined heat and power system which captures the heat generated as a by-product of the electrical power generation and is used to provide heat energy for the surface treatment processes carried out in areas of the factory.  The CHP installation, along with a number of other energy saving initiatives, coupled with the benefits of operating from a single location, means CBE+ has managed to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50%.  In addition, a new effluent plant has been installed which filters and neutralises all waste chemistry generated on site used allowing environmentally safe disposal and recycling.

CEO Marie Cooper says: “Chesterfield has proved to be a fantastic home for our business, and our latest milestone is something we are proud of, along with our plans to continue this growth journey, supporting our customers and the local economy. It was fantastic to welcome over 40 people to look around our facility, and show how we support our customers.”

CBE+ technical director, Chris Brown, commented: “The goal has always been to have all our services under one roof, not only does this create one cohesive team, but it also makes it easier for our customers to access multiple services. Moving five engineering businesses onto a single site has been a five-year project, with a lot of people working together to make it happen, and I can’t thank the team enough for their hard work.

“Relocating our ENP division is the final piece in the jigsaw that will allow us to deliver capabilities beyond engineering from a single location, providing our customers with streamlined, stress-free supply chains. And the addition of the new combined heat and power and effluent systems is an exciting step on our journey to becoming a greener business, by significantly reducing the amount of waste and energy used on site.”

CBE+ was formed from the acquisition of BG Engineering in 2017 by Marie Cooper and Chris Brown. This acquisition was shortly followed by electroless nickel plating business Nitec UK Ltd and Spire Laboratories in 2017, then Pentag Gears and Oilfield Equipment in 2018. The Wire EDM facility was acquired in 2021.

Following a full business integration, the group rebranded as CBE+ in 2019, providing multidisciplinary engineering services to manufacturers in niche markets including aerospace, defence, automotive, oil and gas. The company provides electroless nickel plating (ENP), precision engineering, gear cutting and laboratory testing, wire EDM, assembly, surface treatment and pressure testing independently, but its real strength lies in the ability to combine multiple services, providing tailored solutions for customers and streamlining their supply chains.

Last week, the company opened its doors to customers, suppliers, and manufacturing businesses from the Made In network for breakfast, company presentations and a factory tour, followed by a walk-in session later in the day to showcase the CBE+ design and engineering capabilities.

CBE+ has opened its doors on numerous occasions to young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in support of Made In Chesterfield, a campaign inspiring the next generation to sectors such as manufacturing and construction.

Check out our recent blog on National Manufacturing Day 2o22, which celebrated some of the great activity taking place across the sector in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/07/chesterfield-celebrates-national-manufacturing-day-2022/

To find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield, including great connectivity to the M1 motorway, rail network and nearby cities, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

CBE+ supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Less Than Zero Barbers partners with local football club to champion community activities

Chesterfield’s Less Than Zero Barbers has announced a joint-venture with “The Home Of Football” Sheffield FC, to work collaboratively on a range of local community projects.

The multi-award winning barbers based on Soresby Street in Chesterfield Town Centre, has partnered with the Dronfield-Based club to encourage kids to get involved in the game and also their local community.

Sheffield Club was formed in 1857 and were responsible for the original rules of the game, most of which are still applicable. The club is recognised by FIFA as the oldest in the world.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner at Less Than Zero Barbers commented: “Less Than Zero are proud to be working together with this amazing club as we share core values of being community focused, conducting ourselves with integrity and being respectful and inclusive.”

Dylan Ralph, Partnership Manger, Sheffield FC commented: “Working together we have some exciting plans which will become apparent over the coming months.”

As part of the plan, Less Than Zero will offer local school leavers the opportunity to get an NVQ Level 1 in barbering during the 6-week summer holidays. To provide the service, the business will be working with Realise, the U.Ks Apprentice Provider of the Year.

The company was recently recognised amongst the Top 50 Small Business Apprentice Employers in England, taking 36th spot on the list developed by government’s Department for Education.

Furthermore, Sheffield FC is working towards providing an innovative ‘pop up barbershop,’ focusing on improving mental wellbeing and self esteem. Details on all collaboration activities will be posted on social media (Instagram: _sheffieldfc and lessthanzerobarbers).

For anyone interested in a Level 1 Traineeship, Realise Training have a dedicated phone number – Tel: 0333 444 3973.

Less Than Zero Barbers supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield firm to take sustainability message across the UK

A Chesterfield firm which specialises on renewable heating systems is taking its sustainability message across the country this summer.

NIBE Energy Systems will be bringing the latest technological and product innovations directly to installers and the general public with a UK tour in a state of the art trailer that kicks off on 16th July at the Braehead Retail Park in Glasgow.

The tour will also be stopping off at Chesterfield’s Technique Stadium on 25th July, showing off the firm’s range of technologies and solutions available to help people and businesses do their bit in reducing carbon emissions.

Those interested in getting to know NIBE better and have been thinking about renewable heating systems will be given the opportunity to get on the trailer and learn about the innovative technologies offered by the brand.

Visitors will get the opportunity to learn about how heat pumps extract natural energy from one place and transfer it to another in order to provide energy-efficient, cost-effective space heating and hot water. They will also see how they can help save money on their heating bills. Installers are invited to pop in and learn about NIBE’s best in class heat pump solutions such as the industry leading, new S2125 air source heat pump.

Phil Hurley, Managing Director of NIBE Energy Systems (UK) said: “NIBE exists to provide the world with better energy solutions. Our UK tour will give homeowners and installers the chance to see first-hand the options available to transform heating systems to the latest available technologies. Heat pumps offer a fantastic solution to helping UK families and business do their bit to reduce carbon emissions.

“NIBE strives to maximise the output of each single product, and our industry-leading air source heat pump is no exception. We invite installers to come and see our products and to learn about NIBE Pro our installer partnership scheme designed to guide and assist them and their teams in making the change to installing heat pumps.  We have been investing widely in the development of innovative solutions which will be showcased in our visit to cities across the country. I am delighted that our dedicated teams will be able to show what we have on offer.”​

  • July 16th to 17th – Braehead Retail Park – Glasgow
  • July 18th – Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa – Falkirk
  • July 19th – Aldwark Manor Golf & Spa – North Yorkshire
  • July 20th – Manchester City Etihad Stadium – Manchester
  • July 21st to 22nd – Trafford Centre, Manchester
  • July 25th – Chesterfield Technique Stadium – Chesterfield
  • July 26th to 27th – The Bullring – Birmingham
  • July 28th – Royal Windsor Racecourse – Windsor
  • July 30th to 31st – Blue Water Shopping Centre – London

Find out more about the upcoming tours at: https://www.nibe.eu/en-gb/about-nibe/events/nibe-on-tour-2022

NIBE Energy Systems supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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SDE Group agrees landmark deal to acquire Car Charge Go

A Chesterfield company has grown further into the electric vehicle market, by agreeing on a deal to acquire Plymouth-based Car Charge Go Ltd.

SDE Group has seen extensive growth over the past 12 months within the EV space, specifically focusing on the Commercial EV market with many national contracts secured.

These include the maintenance & installation of EV chargers across the electrical highway covering over 200 motorway service stations from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

The acquisition of Car Charge Go creates the pathway for a complete ‘end to end solution’ for Commercial and Domestic customers, presenting a one stop for all EV requirements.

Car Charge Go Ltd, was founded in 2021 by Kate Searl with the sole purpose to provide to domestic customers & company employees with a step-by-step guide from purchase of charger to installation. The firm has seen rapid growth since launching 12 months ago with national contracts with key brands such as Ocean BMW & Mini, along with securing deals with over 50 car dealership/leasing providers and national companies supporting their employees with the transition to EV.

Kate Searl, Operations Director of Car Charge Go said, “We are delighted to be part of the SDE family. The company has a strong heritage of retaining long standing customers with how they operate and manage customers, this ethos supports our wider growth plans to become a key provider within the domestic EV market that is already a competitive marketplace.”

The deal provides both SDE Electrical & Car Charge Go customers with the technical and back off support to help with all requirements as customer make the transition to EV – whether they are domestic or commercial customers.

Car Charge Go will now trade under SDE Electrical with Kate and her team becoming part of the wider group that will support & underpin SDE Group’s growth plans within this sector.

Jonathan Bennett, Group Managing Director at SDE Group said: “This is an exciting time for our company with all parts of our business seeing high levels of growth, especially our electrical sector. The acquisition of Car Charge Go is fantastic news for all our customers and SDE, along with supporting our long-term growth plans. Kate and her team will provide the technical support and solutions to all our customers that is required in this ever-evolving sector.”

SDE Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New physiotherapy clinic opens at The Glassyard

A leading provider of physiotherapy treatment has moved to The Glass Yard development in Chesterfield, offering a better equipped and more spacious location to treat patients.

White House Clinic shares this new venture with longstanding partner One Health, a team of specialist surgeons and healthcare managers working together to provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment for patients.

This partnership provides an unrivalled offering to patients, allowing them to receive a comprehensive service of treatments funded by the NHS, with patients able to choose One Health as a service provider through the E-referral System (Choose & Book), as well as through private appointments.

The Glass Yard is a practical, as well as strategic choice of location for White House Clinic, close to its previous location at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium but with even more convenience for parking and space for additional facilities.

As part of a major development in Chesterfield, The Glass Yard gives patients an enjoyable, attractive experience during their treatment with plenty of disabled parking.

James Walker, Service Development Director and Senior Physiotherapist at White House Clinic commented: “We’re thrilled to be making a move to The Glass Yard, where we can keep offering our patients the exceptional treatments they deserve, in comfort and a relaxed setting. Working with our partners at One Health, we’re ready to give Chesterfield an even better service.”

Jessica Sellars, Director of Operations & Service Development at One Health said: “What a great time to work at One Health. We’ve always enjoyed working closely with our partners at White House Clinic, and our move to The Glass Yard will cement that relationship even further. The real winners are, of course, our patients — with an upgraded experience for their consultations and treatments, and better opportunities to get the services they need.”

The Covid-19 pandemic meant the White House Clinic had to offer physiotherapy appointments by video link and telephone, with just emergency appointments taking place in person. Despite the impact of lockdowns, the White House Clinic thrived and is now investing in new locations and upgrading to larger facilities such as The Glass Yard.

With ten successful and established White House Clinic locations across Derbyshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and the impressive Glass Yard facility will enable it to expand its services, provide jobs in the local area, and welcome more patients for treatment.

 

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Popular Chesterfield Vegan Market to become a monthly event

It has been revealed that the new Chesterfield Vegan Market will feature as a regular monthly event, following its huge success since launching in the historic heart of the town centre.

At the first event in May, the Vegan Market attracted more than 30 stalls, providing a huge variety for customers; ranging from chocolate treats, vegan cheese, award winning gluten free pies, a local animal rescue centre, handmade items, zero waste goods and even TV star vegan caterers.

One of the stallholders, ‘Huns’ were recently on the BBC’s ‘Britain’s Top Takeaway’ with their chicken style burgers. Hot food caterers were plentiful with a great range including crepes, curries, bangers & mash, Ethiopian food, burgers and pizzas.

Following the launch event in May, the Vegan Market has continued to go from strength-to-strength with another successful outing in early July. The popularity of the market has ensured the event will return on the first Saturday of each month from September through to the end of 2022.

Chesterfield Vegan Market organiser Sam Brundish, of Rainbow Monkey Events commented: “It was great to bring this event back to Chesterfield in early July and, by popular demand, this will be a monthly event on the first Saturday from September through to the end of the year!

“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing something quite unique to Chesterfield town centre. We would urge customers to come and support their local market traders – we welcomed The Refill Fairy, Cup and Saucer Teas and Flower Girl Plants – all of whom are regulars at Chesterfield market. Customers will also get to see traders from elsewhere in the Midlands who only bring their varied foods and products to Chesterfield Vegan Market.

“One tip we would say is arrive early to avoid disappointment – stallholders quickly sell out of gluten free pies, cheesecakes, bliss balls, sausage rolls and cheese!”

Find out more about Chesterfield Vegan Market at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-vegan-market/

Specialist markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

Chesterfield Town Centre provides an enjoyable shopping experience for all customers, with a great range of national brands and quirky independents. You can always pick up something special and different, whether you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one or something special for your home. Find out more about shopping in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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Chesterfield’s Fox & Goose launches new range of conferencing facilities

An historic Derbyshire hostelry and meeting place with stunning views of Chesterfield has expanded it’s offering, with a range of conferencing and business facilities now available to book.

Fox & Goose has launched ‘Work and Play’ on Pudding Pie Hill, offering a first-class conference venue for local businesses to impress clients in one of the most picturesque locations in our area.

The new package includes a choice of meeting and conference rooms including:

  • The Priory Boardroom – a private space for up to 10 people.
  • The orangery – Featuring great views of the Derbyshire countryside for up to 40 people.
  • Abbey Suite – Large events space for up to 100 people.

All packages are available for half-day and full-day delegates and can include buffet lunches, 2-3course dinners, evening dinners and wine flights.

Craig Lynch, owner of The Fox and Gosse commented: “The Fox & Goose on Pudding Pie Hill is one of Derbyshire’s oldest hostelries dating back all the way back to 1392. The monks of Beauchief Abbey and Chander Hill used to meet there in the 14th Century, which gave the place its name.”

“Its significant redevelopment over the past decade has seen it transformed into a gastro-pub and leading Wedding and celebration venue with private rooms and extensive outdoor areas to suit any occasion.

“After the change in work patterns post-covid, the venue is now branching out offering its unique setting and facilities to the business community for meetings, conferences, social gatherings or even individual work stations.

“With stunning views over Chesterfield, ample free parking, three rooms of various sizes all with natural light, air conditioning, super-fast fibre broadband and full audio-visual facilities, everyone can have the office they dreamed of.”

With easy access from both the UK and farther afield and its splendid location on the edge of the Peak District, while still being close to major cities, means that Chesterfield can offer a multitude of opportunities to mix both business and pleasure. Find out more about the town’s range of conference venues at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/conferences/

The Fox & Goose Inn supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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More than 200 local businesses now included in Chesterfield’s Unhampered map

People across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being encouraged to get their hands on the first release of the Unhampered map of Independent Businesses.

Unhampered is a new online directory of Chesterfield’s independent businesses, set up by Chesterfield’s independent businesses, supported by Chesterfield’s independent businesses – and driven by a passion for Chesterfield to thrive.

It features over 200 shops, restaurants, pubs, food suppliers, local service providers, events, blog pages and so much more, all in one place www.unhampered-chesterfield.co.uk, putting Chesterfield independents, literally on the map.

The project comprises of a community of independents working together for Chesterfield, and the first physical deliverable is a paper map showing the locations of 80 independent businesses in the town centre and along Chatsworth Road.

The maps are slightly smaller than A3 and fold down to fit nicely in a handbag or pocket. They’ve been distributed to several local businesses, the tourist information centre, plus hotels and accommodation venues so visitors can find some of our best businesses, with a little help from Unhampered.

Phase 1 (the website) was developed by local businesses; Defeye Creative, S40 Local and S41 Local magazines and Phase 2 (the map) is now available thanks to funding from Unhampered Founder Members; Adorn, Bottle & Thyme, Ginspired, Ingmans, Libby’s, Odyssey Restaurant, Pizza Pi, Tallbird Records, The Café at Libby’s, Vanishing Point Records and Vintage Tea Rooms.

Any businesses in Chesterfield who want to get involved with Unhampered can do so by contacting Paul Chapman at S40 Local magazine – paul@s40local.co.uk

Andy Ingman from Ingman’s Cobblers, Footwear & Clothing of Burlington Street is a Founder Member. He commented: “we were really impressed by what the Unhampered team delivered over lockdown to support Chesterfield’s independent businesses for free, and we’re now happy to help them take the next steps to build the site and promote our town”.

“We’re excited to have the latest phase of Unhampered off the ground,” says Paul Chapman from Unhampered and S40 Local magazine. “We have so much to offer and have a real passion for supporting small independent businesses, it’s these guys that are keeping the town centre alive. We are totally independent from any external funding and are massively thankful to the founder members who have come on board to date.”

Unhampered is offering a limited number of Founder Members packs at £396 for two years membership, which includes extra benefits for those taking up the offer and helping provide set-up funding.

The Unhampered socials have seen increased followers on Facebook and Instagram pages, with the team committed to keeping followers up to date with what is happening across Chesterfield’s business community.

Defeye Creative and S40 Local support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Pride 2022: How your business can celebrate our LGBTQ+ community

Chesterfield is set to gather in celebration later this month, as one of the biggest Pride festivals across the region returns to the town.

The celebration of our LGBTQ+ Community will see thousands of people in attendance, to raise awareness of diversity and inclusivity in all walks of life.

As we approach the event, we’ve been finding out how your business can help to support and celebrate staff, clients and customers who identify as LGBTQ+; and how this can have a positive effect on your business in terms of raising profile and enabling further growth.

Ed Fordham is a Chesterfield Borough Councillor and Derbyshire County Councillor, he was the first LGBT+ person in Britain to get engaged to his same sex partner with the passing of the equal marriage laws in 2013.

Sharing his experiences of living and working in Chesterfield, Ed has penned the following blog post to encourage more businesses in implementing a clear and definitive diversity and inclusion policy…

It’s really quite simple: business that understand, embrace and celebrate diversity in their values are more successful. This applies to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, but in this blog post I am exploring the issues for Chesterfield businesses and the LGBT+ communities.

Derbyshire is, I think the only county in England that has two LGBT+ centres – one in Derby and one in Chesterfield. Indeed Derbyshire LGBT+ is a long standing and successful charity serving the community all year round and in good times and in bad. This year we are celebrating 50 years since the first Pride March in the U.K. In London in 1972. Here in Chesterfield our Pride Festival is in year 8. Pride is a celebration, a festival and a party, but crucially it is also a protest, a vigil, a march and a gathering of the community in numbers. It’s safety in numbers for the LGBT+ communities.

Across Chesterfield many companies employ people who self identify as LGBT+ but for each and every one of those staff members they often have an internal dilemma about how well known and public they are about their security.  I forget the number of times that I have had to correct people over my own identity. Indeed, I still get assumptions that my wedding ring signals that I have a wife rather than a husband.

Chesterfield Pride will see 6,000 people gathering in Stand Road on Sunday 24th July and the net spend, the investment and the purchase of food and drink alone will be significant for local traders and businesses.  In the run-up to Pride spend on fashion, clothing, hairdressers, shoes and more besides is significant in the Borough.

Further, it is known and understood that businesses of the 1950’s that were dominated solely by male managers and men only boards were unrepresentative and staid.  Accordingly it is now accepted that business and companies that know their workforce, embrace their identity and ensure they are included, listened to and enabled are more effective.  In addition they are more fleet of foot in a shifting economy, and in a world where companies want to be seen and noticed companies that celebrate Pride, empower their staff and reflect the modern world.

The best employers understand their employees, know that they should feel welcome, respected and represented at work. Inclusion in decision, plans and strategy drives better individuals, business and organisational outcomes.  And by celebrating Chesterfield Pride in way that us visible and staff led means that staff are able to bring their whole selves to work. All of the evidence shows that when LGBT+ employees feel free to be themselves , everybody benefits.  It is further accepted that employee inclusion is picked up by customers and support and commerce increase in line with awareness.

There are national scheme for large employees by Stonewall, but we are fortunate in having such a strong and vibrant Derbyshire LGBT+.as they provide Rainbow Accreditation for companies locally.  There are three entry levels: Rainbow Allies, Rainbow Connection and Ranbow Partnership. The level depends on your size of business and the associated costs are pegged accordingly.

Please, do what you can for Pride this year in your business, company and shop window, but for the future and long term, contact Derbyshire LGBT+ today and register for Rainbow Accreditation.  Contact John Yates-Harold johny@derbyshirelgbt.org.uk

LGBTQ+ Leaders in Chesterfield 

Chesterfield Pride Sponsor

Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough Council has been announced as headline sponsors with Chesterfield Pride for the 2nd year in a row, continuing its support of the annual celebration.

Cllr Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.”

The Council also has a clear policy and strategy to welcome equality and diversity in the borough, recognising that both equal treatment and positive action are necessary to counteract discrimination.

Activities to ensure the strategy is implemented includes The Equality and Diversity Forum; a group of representatives from statutory partners, community groups and local individuals with an interest and/or expertise in equality and diversity. The Forum members work together to share ideas, best practice and to raise awareness in the community of equality and diversity.

Find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Equality and Diversity strategy here. For more information about the Equality and Diversity Forum please email policyteam@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Tom Harrison, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator said: “At Chesterfield Royal Hospital we are proud supporters of Pride, and once again delighted to be taking part.

“We understand the value of bringing your whole self to work and support these values as a Trust. Several of our colleagues have completed the Stonewall role model programme and are in the process of setting up a staff network to support this learning. We are listening to both colleagues and patients – our listening exercise at Pride three years ago saw us develop training to support our gender diverse staff and patients through e-learning – we revisited last year at Pride and received positive feedback from those who had engaged with us. We are currently listening to views on gender inclusive language and are looking to introduce single occupancy unisex toilets at minimal cost. 

“We are proud of the work which our Royal Cultural Community does to promote and support our BAME and international colleagues – alongside our Be Yourself group. We offer a rainbow badge scheme helping colleagues to commit to being an ally and offer rainbow lanyards to colleagues so that our commitment is visible in all areas of the Trust. We will be flying the LBGT+ flag outside our Main Entrance with pride.”

To find out more about diversity and inclusion at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, go to: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/information-candidates/diverse-workforce

 

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

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Peak Indicators donates 19 laptops to Chesterfield College

Peak Indicators has recently donated 19 laptops to Chesterfield College, so that they can be used by people who need them the most.

The laptops were no longer needed at Peak so it was decided to donate them as part of the company’s “Giving Something Back Scheme”.

Students on the IT Network Infrastructure Technician course at Chesterfield College are going to take the laptops, perform another reset and wipe them, before installing a new operating system.

Once the laptops have gone through the resetting process, the college will work with charities in the local area to distribute the laptops to families and groups that need them the most. The recipients will often be people who don’t have access to a computer or laptop.

The donation also provides the opportunity to develop the skills of the college’s students and helps Peak Indicators to contribute and support the local community. It has also prevented waste going to landfill.

Kenneth Neilson, Managing Director of Peak Indicators said: “I am delighted that we can recycle our laptops in such a way that they will make a huge difference to those that need them most in the local community once reprovisioned by the students at Chesterfield College.”

Piers Ching of Chesterfield College commented: “I wanted to say again many many thanks for your donation, it’s contributions like this that are genuinely life changing for families and individuals”.

Peak Indicators is a visionary Data Services, Data Science & Advanced Analytics consultancy based in Chesterfield. The company brings together a diverse and passionate team with best-in-breed technologies and methods to deliver innovative solutions that drive transformational results.

The firm believes data can be a force for good; helping people make better decisions and helping companies grow.

Peak Indicators supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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