The Chesterfield Investment Summit has shone a spotlight on plans for the borough’s future, unveiling a £2bn regeneration pipeline poised to deliver over 7,800 new jobs, 3,900 homes, and £473m in annual GVA to the local economy. Held on 5 November, the Summit brought together investors, developers, and civic leaders to explore opportunities across Chesterfield and Staveley. Central to the discussions was the East Midlands Growth Plan, presented by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, which aims to create 100,000 jobs, deliver 52,000 homes, and boost the regional economy by £4bn over the next decade. The Mayor emphasised Chesterfield and Staveley’s strategic role in the plan, through the Canal Corridor, which has been identified as a priority area for regeneration and investment. Mayor Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is open for business. Our Inclusive Growth Strategy is about unlocking opportunity across every part of the region, and Chesterfield and Staveley are central to that ambition. The Canal Corridor is a priority area for regeneration, and we’re committed to supporting investment that delivers real benefits for communities.” The Summit emphasised inclusive growth, with speakers and delegates reinforcing the need for economic development to benefit local people and communities. Chesterfield Borough Council Leader Councillor Tricia Gilby said: “We’re not pursuing growth for growth’s sake. Our focus is on inclusive growth, ensuring that investment in Chesterfield translates into better jobs, stronger communities, and opportunities for everyone. The Investment Summit is a powerful platform to show how our plans are rooted in local need and ambition.” Delegates learned more about the East Midlands Investment Zone, including incentives available for investors and details of the Staveley Hartington site. The Summit also spotlighted major developments such as Peak Resort and town centre regeneration in both Chesterfield and Staveley. Investors shared insights into why they are choosing to invest in retail, leisure, community, residential and office opportunities across the borough. Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Chesterfield is open for business. We have the sites, the partnerships, and the ambition to deliver transformational change. The Investment Summit is about connecting opportunity with action, and we’re ready to welcome investors who share our vision.” The Chesterfield Investment Summit was organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with the Devonshire Group and Tawnywood, and supported by East Midlands Chamber and We Are Spaces.

East Midlands Combined County Authority is to join forces with the Government to tackle rising ill-health that is pushing people out of work and holding back growth. The joint effort, developed in response to Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, will drive action to prevent ill-health, support people to stay in work, and help employers build healthier, more resilient workplaces. The landmark Review sets out the stark reality facing the UK: one in five working-age adults are now out of the labour force – 800,000 more than in 2019 due to health reasons; the cost of ill-health that prevents work equals 7% of GDP – nearly 70% of all income-tax receipts; UK employment among disabled people stands at 53%, below leading OECD nations; employers lose £85 billion a year from sickness, turnover, and lost productivity. The Government will partner with employers to reshape how health issues and disabilities are managed in the workplace with the launch of employer-led Vanguards. The Vanguards – including East Midlands Combined Authority, alongside household names such as British Airways, Google, Sainsbury’s, Holland and Barrett, and SMEs – are early adopters who will develop and refine workplace health approaches over the next three years to build the evidence base for what works. They’re committing to embracing the report’s healthy working lifecycle – which aims to reduce sickness absence, improve return-to-work rates, and increase disability employment rates – which Government will work towards developing into a voluntary certified standard by 2029. Sir Charlie Mayfield, author of the Keep Britain Working Review, said: “Britain is sliding into an avoidable crisis. Ill-health has become one of the biggest brakes on growth and opportunity. But this is not inevitable. “Employers are uniquely placed to make a difference, preventing health issues where possible, supporting people when they arise, and helping them return to work. If we keep Britain working, everyone wins – people, employers, and the state. “That’s why the action the Government is taking forward from my Review is so important. I’m looking forward to working with them and with employers, large and small, to keep people in work, unlock potential and build a healthier, more prosperous Britain.” To help drive this work forward Sir Charlie Mayfield will co-lead a Vanguard Taskforce with Ministers, bringing together employers, disabled people, workers’ representatives, and health experts. The Taskforce will work with Vanguards to develop the interventions and build the evidence for what works. This will inform wider reform by identifying what approaches could become part of the future employment landscape and drive adoption. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is a region of potential: potential which will only be unlocked if everyone plays their part. This is the bedrock of inclusive growth: that everyone’s contribution to our society and economy is valued and respected. “The Get East Midlands Working Plan is our commitment to the people of the region that if they step up, we will work across public services to support them in whatever way they need. It’s why we are working so closely with our partners in health, skills, employment support, and in the benefits system: life can be complicated, but support shouldn’t have to be. “The Government has set us a challenging target to achieve, but it is one that we are embracing – because most people are better off in work and we will be a region where more people live that reality.”

Vertu Motors, the fourth largest automotive retailer in the UK, has added a fifth Skoda dealership to its nationwide portfolio, following the acquisition of Skoda Leicester from Marshall Motor Group.

The newly acquired site, which will rebrand as Vertu Skoda Leicester, joins the Group’s existing Skoda sites in Darlington, Derby and Chesterfield, and the recently opened dealership in Nottingham.

Vertu Skoda Leicester will continue to operate from its existing leasehold site on Groby Road, becoming the Group’s third site in the city, alongside the Vertu Renault/Dacia and Toyota dealerships. 

Adrian Skow, Vertu Skoda franchise director, said: “We are delighted to have acquired Skoda Leicester in a move that further cements our relationship with the brand, and which also helps to boost our presence in the key East Midlands region. We look forward to working with new colleagues at the dealership, and welcoming new and existing customers at the site to Vertu.”

Robert Forrester, Vertu Motors chief executive, said: “The East Midlands is an important area of growth for Vertu, so we are thrilled to add another dealership in the region to our portfolio. Skoda Leicester is a fantastic site in a prime location within the city and will be a strong addition to the Group.”