Issue 26

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 1.

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

45p Where Sold

What’s On - Page 19 | Healthy Living - Page 29 | Business - Page 34 | Motoring - Page 46 | Golf Holidays - Page 51

• JTL Training • Salcare • The Tax benefits of thinking ‘Inside the box’

WHAT’S ON 4 p.3 Horoscopes FEATURE INSIDE...

A38 – A VISION OF THE FUTURE p.60

p.19

The Highways Agency has revealed the plans that should make traffic congestion, on the A38 through Derby, a thing of the past. The £220 million scheme would enable the A38 traffic to flow freely through underpasses at the Kingsway and Markeaton roundabouts and cross the Little Eaton roundabout on a new flyover. Local traffic should also be able to flow more freely around the A38.

Derby residents have been urged, by the Highways Agency, to help shape the plans to improve these busy junctions and hundreds of people attended an exhibition at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre in February to look at the proposals in detail.

Highways Agency staff were on hand to discuss the plans and the exhibition featured videos of what the finished junctions could look like. The public consultation continues until Friday 13th March.

The request from the Highways Agency comes just weeks after interim improvements to ease congestion at the Markeaton and Little Eaton roundabouts have been completed, ending months of delays and disruption for motorists on the A38 through Derby. The 2014 road works began in January at A vision of the future; the southbound approach to Markeaton.

Little Eaton and continued until December with the completion of works at Markeaton. Both projects suffered problems and delays in completion for which the Highways Agency apologised.

Markeaton’s southbound approach after the improvements of 2014.

Looking ahead, Mark Hartharn, project manager for the Highways Agency outlined the aims of the new proposals. “This is a real chance for the public to shape our plans to cut congestion and improve journeys along the A38,” he explained. “Over the next few years, Derby is set to see rapid increases in housing, employment, and associated

COUNCIL ANNOUNCES DERBY ARENA OPENING DATE

LOCAL RALLY CHAMPION HEADS FOR THE CIRCUIT

traffic. Our new plans offer a long-term solution to help cut congestion, boost the economy and deliver smoother, better journeys for drivers. We really want local people to be heavily involved in deciding how we take this forward.”

As a dual carriageway, the A38 through Derby was opened in 1975 when traffic volumes were considerably lighter, but even then concerns were raised that flyovers had not been included to help the traffic flow through the Derby area. There are no junctions to delay traffic heading north from Litchfield until reaching Derby, with three busy roundabouts in less than three miles. As the A38 joins the Derby ring road, through traffic volumes are swelled by local traffic, particularly busy at peak commuter times. Only the junction with the A6 (known as the Palm Court Island) features an

underpass. From Little Eaton traffic flows north unhindered until arriving at Junction 28 of the M1, close to Mansfield.

Plans for flyovers along the A38 in Derby have been discussed on several occasions but were rejected, initially, because of concerns about the visual impact of the structures on local parks and open spaces.

Government traffic studies in 2002 and 2003 identified the need for the interim improvements to ease congestion and recommended larger-scale improvements in the long term. Plans were put forward following a public consultation, this time incorporating underpasses, and receiving a positive reaction, only for the funding to disappear when the East Midlands Allocation Board was dissolved in 2009.

Story continues on Page 2.

p.8

p.61

New proposals should make hold-ups at Markeaton a thing of the past.

Page 2. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

SURVEY PUTS DERBY IN TOP TEN CITIES

Derby keeps the rail network moving.

Rolls-Royce is a by-word for quality.

Derby’s position as a leading centre for industry and manufacture has been underlined in an important survey of Britain’s cities, the Centre for Cities Outlook 2015.

Private sector industry, much of it at the cutting edge of technology, has confirmed Derby’s position in the top ten cities for jobs and earnings. Derby has always been at the forefront of industrial technology and the presence of major manufacturers in the city, including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota is bolstered by new industry using modern technology, such as Formula 1 and aerospace supplier EPM Technology.

The largest increases in private sector jobs are, predictably, in the south where London heads the list with a growth of 18% in the period covered by the survey, 2004 to 2013. Only four cities outside the south make the top ten with Derby placed tenth showing an increase of 6,343 private sector jobs created in the past decade, a 7.6% growth, which compares well with just 4.0% across Great Britain.

Across both public and private sectors Derby shows a growth of 8,586 jobs, an increase of 7%, placing the city thirteenth out of the 64 cities surveyed.

The population of Derby is estimated at 251,400, for 2013, with around 122,000 (48.5%) employed in the city. The private sector supports approximately 83,000 jobs while public sector workers account for some 39,000 positions.

The strength of Derby’s manufacturing industry is highlighted by the Gross Value Added (GVA)

figure of £56,900 each worker contributed to the UK economy, the UK’s ninth highest ranking and helping Derby to produce goods and services totaling £7 billion Consequently, wages for Derby’s workers compare favourably, reflecting the number of highly skilled jobs found in the city. Derby was ranked fifth, ahead of Milton Keynes, Oxford and Edinburgh. Derby workers took home a weekly average of £596 in 2014 compared with an average of £538 for all cities in the survey and just £501 for Great Britain as a whole. The greatest concentration of wealth remains in the south: workers in 14 cities earned above the national average in 2014, but only four of these (Aberdeen, Derby, Edinburgh and Coventry) are located outside the Greater South East.

A strong city economy depends on the dynamism of its businesses and entrepreneurs and the overall number of businesses in a city, and the rates at which they are starting up and closing down, are key indicators to the health of a city’s economy. 60% of all new UK businesses were city-based in 2013 with the number of start-ups increasing by 30% over

“On top of these benefits, this scheme will help to support the economy, by speeding up journeys and boosting traffic flow, while helping Derby to meet growing demands on its infrastructure over the next two decades.”

The funding for the current proposal was announced by the Chancellor, George Osborne, in the June 2013 Spending Review and confirmed in his Autumn Statement of 2014. The current proposals have been further refined, from the earlier plans, and should not only cut journey times for through traffic, but also reduce much of the peak time congestion for local traffic on approaches to the A38.

Mark Hartharn added “Short-term forecasts show there could be an extra 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day on the A38 over the next ten years, so it’s important we ensure the road network can cope.

By creating new junctions on the A38, we will help improve journey time reliability for road users, increase the capacity of the road to improve traffic

the previous year. Derby had 44.6 business startups per 10,000 population in 2013 whilst the closure rate was 29.8, a net increase of 14.8 per 10,000 population.

Digital connectivity is a key component of the infrastructure that encourages business startup and attracts to businesses looking to locate. It is also vital tool to support growth within existing businesses. The survey ranks the percentage of postcodes, within cities, achieving Super Fast

Highways Agency spokesman Alistair Harris said it is too early to say how the work would proceed.

“That will depend on input from the local community, the consultation will have a massive effect on how we proceed. However, we have learnt our lessons from Markeaton and Little Eaton (where crayfish were found, causing a considerable delay to the works). There are already environmental surveys taking place, we don’t want any more surprises. This causes a lot of frustration for drivers, the local community and the Highways Agency.”

Kevin Matthews commutes along the A38 daily to his work in Heanor. “I regularly use the A38 during the morning rush hour and it’s a lot easier, now, to get through the Markeaton island and Little Eaton island without a long queue,” he commented. “I can see that the proposed improvements are going to

Broadband (SFBB) connectivity speeds, defined by Ofcom as 30MB/second.

Whilst the south, once again, is the chief beneficiary, Derby has 85.5% of postcode areas achieving SFBB speeds, the third highest rating behind Luton and Brighton. Nottingham (82.3%) and Cardiff (82.1%) are the only other cities outside of the south to make the top ten. The national average is just 56.5% with Yorkshire rating the poorest area for SFBB with four cities in the bottom ten.

EPM uses Formula 1 to push boundaries.

Toyota, one of the world’s largest car producers. flow, and improve overall safety for road users, local drivers and pedestrians.”

Motorist Kevin Matthews welcomes the benefits of the plans.

Derby among the best for broadband speeds.

involve extensive work and there will be significant disruption. In the end, though, it will result in a lot less queuing and delay in trying to travel around Derby during the rush hours.”

To take part in the public consultation, you can air your views by completing an online questionnaire at http:/www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/ a38-derby-junctions/ by 5pm on Friday 13th March.

The Agency hopes to announce a preferred option for the scheme by July 2016 with the work possibly beginning in 2019 and taking around 2 years to complete.

Derby City Council has announced a separate long-term plan to create additional flyovers at the Pentagon Island to reduce delays on the in-bound A52, a major source of congestion at peak times.

If it goes ahead, the project would not begin until the A38 improvements are complete, probably in ten years’ time. Estimates suggest the project could cost in excess of £10 million. Cllr Martin Rawson said the council had ‘set itself ambitious but realistic goals’.

A38 - THE FINAL SOLUTION - JUNCTION-BYJUNCTION KINGSWAY On the A38 approach to Kingsway from the south the main carriageway would follow a course between the two existing carriageways with the elevation falling

Kingsway. to a level below that of the existing roundabout. The main carriageways would pass through what is, at present, the centre of the Kingsway roundabout.

The two existing carriageways would become slip roads on, and off, the A38 in both directions joining the A5111 Kingsway (Derby ring road) via two smaller roundabouts either side of the A38. These roundabouts would be connected by a single span bridge across the A38.

Continuing north, the main A38 would now be three lanes wide with the speed limit raised from the present 40mph to 50mph. The road would then pick up the existing course of the A38 where the old carriageway would rejoin as a slip lane.

One consequence of the increased speed limit is the closure of the accesses to Brackensdale

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 3.

Avenue and Raleigh Street. Three options are under consideration for access to local residential areas: K1 – a link on the west side of the roundabout to Greenwich Drive South in Mackworth, maintaining a direct link to the A38 although some public open space would be lost and some journeys could increase by up to 1 mile; K2 – a link to the east onto Kingsway Park Close with a more direct route to the A38 from the industrial park but, again, some journeys from Mackworth could increase by up to 1 mile; K3 – no replacement of access which would be the lowest cost option, but journeys could increase

by up to 1.7 miles.

MARKEATON As the journey along the A38 continues north, there would be a fairly steep descent approaching Markeaton to pass freely beneath a new ground-level 2-bridge roundabout carrying the A52. The course of the road would be to the city side of the present carriageway, needing the compulsory purchase and demolition of properties along Queensway and two on Ashbourne Road together with taking some land from the Territorial Army compound and four other residential properties.

The road would return to its present elevation as it crosses Markeaton Brook, at the beginning of the Kedleston Road slip road exit, returning to a 2-lane carriageway with the national speed limit.

station from the A38. On the north side of the junction, access to Markeaton Park would also be closed. The present footbridge across the A38, to Markeaton Park, would be replaced.

and northwards, on the eastern side of the present road, maintaining the national speed limit, and returning to the present course as the road climbs behind the Derby Garden Centre.

The A38 would then continue north for 2 miles with no change to the present 2-lane carriageway and national speed limit, passing below the A6 (Palm Court) roundabout before heading down towards the Little Eaton junction.

LITTLE EATON

At ground level a new, larger, roundabout would link Little Eaton, and the A61 from Derby, to the A38 via slip roads.

Having crossed the River Derwent, the present northbound carriageway becomes the slip road exit to the Little Eaton roundabout while the main carriageway heads for a new flyover to the south of the present roundabout. The A38 then sweeps left,

The new layout would take land outside the existing highway boundary and the flyover would have a visual impact, particularly for the residents of Breadsall. There would be no direct impact on Derby Garden Centre and the Ford Lane mobile home park, although the Ford Lane junction to the west of the railway would be closed. The dedicated southbound A38/A61 link road would be retained.

Access to the northbound A38 from Markeaton would be by a slip road following the present course of the northbound carriageway.

The access to Enfield Road, in Mackworth, would be closed as would access to MacDonald’s restaurant and the petrol

Markeaton.

University ‘Community Fund’ helps Belper youth club bounce back after blaze Little Eaton.

The University of Derby’s Community Fund is helping five local projects, including The Blue Box Community Group in Belper, after the first winners of funding for 2014/15 were announced.

Blue Box, who have been running for three years, were awarded £500 by the University’s Fund. A recent fire damaged their Youth Club building, but the grant will allow them to continue running the Multi Sports Club project and engage with local young people on the Belper Parks Estates in Amber Valley.

Their Multi Sports Club sessions, which run on a Tuesday and Friday evening, are currently attended by between 25-50 young people each week. Participants have the chance to make new friends and take part in regular activities such as pool, tennis and computer gaming. The Club also provides educational workshops about cooking, drug awareness and relationships.

The Community Fund is just one of the ways in which the University of Derby hopes to give back to local people by handing out grants to inspiring projects that seek to benefit the community in some way. It is open to applicants from eligible groups in Derby, Derbyshire, Burton, Leek, Macclesfield, Mansfield and Uttoxeter.

Tom Wyke, Chair of the Blue Box Community Group, said: “We’re grateful to receive a grant from the University of Derby’s Community Fund because Blue Box Youth Club has become a vital provision in the area, acting as a base for local young people to go.

“The Club has been through some hard times recently, when a fire caused serious damage to our building but, thanks to this grant, we will be able to continue providing activities for the young people on the estate throughout the spring while we find a solution to the building project.”

The Community Fund awarded £2,500 to local groups and the money will also help fund projects for St. Alkmunds Youth Group in Derby, Burton’s Blind and Partially-Sighted Club, the Derby Midshipmen Band, and Friends of Markeaton Park.

Rosie Marshalsay, Head of External Relations at the University of Derby, added: “The University is an integral part of the community, so it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to support so many worthwhile causes this time around.

“Through the Community Fund we hope to inspire others to make a real difference and would encourage groups looking for funding to make an application.”

The next round of funding opens on 1 March and closes on 27 April 2015. Winners will be announced in May. For further information about the Community Fund and to apply, please visit: www.derby. ac.uk/about/community/fund/

Page 4. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

WORK ON STATION DELAYED BY NEWTS

Work on the proposed new station for Ilkeston is still waiting to get underway, delayed by a colony of great-crested newts. The newts, an endangered species protected by law, were discovered last year and attempts were made to relocate them to a new, newt-friendly location, but strict environmental laws apply. Unfortunately the process was not completed before the frost arrived and construction work cannot begin until the site has been officially cleared.

The newts were first discovered during a routine environmental survey and the process of safely trapping and removing the newts, under licence, began. The site is only considered clear of newts, in law, if no newts are caught for a period of five days and the whole process must begin again should one be found.

Natural England, the government body charged with the task of clearing the newts explained what happened. “In this case, no more than three clear trapping days were achieved before frost arrived, increasing the likelihood of newts going into underground hibernation and therefore making it impossible to capture them until the spring.”

The law dictates that surveyors must now wait for a minimum period of five days when the ambient

The great-crested newt temperature is routinely at 5°C before the process can begin again. “Clearly, the timings of this operation have worked against Network Rail,” said a spokesperson. “Natural England has worked closely with it during the process to ensure that it can carry out it plans within European environmental laws.”

It is hoped that work on the station, between Coronation Road and the A6096 Millership Way, will begin in the spring, but local MP Jessica Lee is frustrated by the delay. “The people of Ilkeston, more than anything else, want this station,” she said.

“I appeal to Derbyshire County Council, please, to do everything that you can to get more people

Erewash MP Jessica Lee

The site of Ilkeston’s proposed new station working on this project, to prioritise it so that we can get things moving and get the newts safely moved to another place and to get the building underway.”

The station was originally scheduled for completion by last October but, in the meantime, planners also identified the area proposed for the station car park as at risk of flooding. The recommendation to raise the level of the car park by 3 metres could add £3 million to the original £6.5 million estimate and Derbyshire County Council have been looking at where other savings could be made.

As a result three new planning applications were submitted to Erewash and Broxtowe Borough Councils to include a smaller car park, for around 90 cars, with a single entrance and exit; creating a separate disabled and taxi parking area with cycle parking and drop off and pick up point closer to the station platforms; and shorter station platforms.

“We know that this may be frustrating for local people, as it is for us,” said Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, “but we are working tirelessly to get this station built as quickly as possible.”

The area inhabited by newts

It’s Derby to Monte Carlo or Bust for charity!

Calling all petrol heads from Derby! Organisers of the Monte Carlo or Bust Banger Rally are inviting real life Wacky Racers from Derby to burn rubber for over 1000 miles to Monte Carlo via France, Switzerland and Italy in a Top Gear-style challenge to raise money for charity.

The rally challenges car enthusiasts to source a banger car for less than £300 and take part in a variety of hilarious challenges along the way competing for points and prizes. Teams are encouraged to raise money for a local charity of

their choice and can share their progress with supporters back home via live GPS tracking.

Inspired by the classic Paramount film, the 3-day crusade will see over 100 of the finest British bangers visit some of Europe’s most exciting locations and experience spectacular roads with backdrops of sun, sea, sand and snow! Participants in the 2014 event raised over £100,000 for UK charities.

Rally spokesperson, Cuthbert Ware-Armitage, comments: I am laying down the challenge to

the good people of Derby to join ultimate banger rally adventure. opportunity to get your team experience some of the greatest insome of worst cars from Derby!

me on Europe¹s This is a brilliant into gear and roads in Europe

The Monte Carlo or Bust Rally takes place in June and July 2015 and more information can be found on the event website at: www.montecarloorbustrally.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 5.

Survey reveals the top 20 factors for happiness at work in the East Midlands A survey has revealed the top 20 factors for working happiness chosen by people in the East Midlands.

The top 20 list, compiled by AAT, the Association of Accounting Technicians, includes respect for employees, nice toilets, and banter.

In the top three answers, ‘Respect for employees’ was the most common, chosen by 55% of those questioned. Second was ‘Flexible hours and understanding when children are sick’, given by 42% of those questioned, while third was ‘Hard working colleagues’, with 40% choosing that answer.

The top three answers given by people in the East Midlands were exactly the same as the top three when the survey looked at the UK as a whole, with the top three answers across the whole country also being ‘Respect for employees’ first, ‘Flexible hours and understanding when children are sick’ second, and ‘Hard working colleagues’ third.

Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of AAT, said: ‘’AAT’s study has unveiled the factors that people feel really make the difference in their working lives and many of them are small touches or benefits, rather than big unrealistic demands.”

“Whilst it’s not always possible to find a job or company that matches everything you want from a career many of the things on the list are attainable and it’s a good chance for people to work out what matters to them and how to improve their own circumstances.” ‘’Hopefully the majority of people will be able to look through and assess their happiness based on how many they can tick off.”

‘’AAT’s study has unveiled the factors that people feel really make the difference in their working lives and many of them are small touches or benefits, rather than big unrealistic demands” Top 20 factors for working happiness in East Midlands 1. Respect for employees 2. Flexible hours and understanding when children are sick 3. Hard working colleagues 4. Fun colleagues 5. Realistic deadlines 6. Having ideas listened to 7. Regular thank you 8. Being acknowledged for achievements/hard work 9. Nice toilets 10. Fast computer and broadband 11. Understanding that you’re on holiday/have finished work 12. Extra holidays for time of service 13. Free parking or close to public transport 14. Patience and understanding of colleagues/management 15. Pay review scheme 16. Days off around Christmas that don’t come out of your holiday 17. Banter 18. A traffic free trip into the office 19. Comfy chair 20. Quality tea and coffee

55% 42% 40% 37% 37% 36% 33% 33% 32% 31% 29% 29% 27% 26% 24% 23% 21% 17% 16% 16%

Top 20 factors for working happiness across the UK 1. Respect for employees 2. Flexible hours and understanding when children are sick 3. Hard working colleagues 4. Fun colleagues 5. Being acknowledged for your achievements / hard work 6. Having ideas listened to 7. Free parking or close to public transport 8. Regular thank you 9. Realistic deadlines 10. Fast computer and broadband 11. Pay review scheme 12. Nice toilets 13. Patience and understanding of colleagues / management 14. Understanding that you’re on holiday/finished work 15. Extra holidays for time of service 16. Days off around Christmas that don’t come out of your holiday allowance 17. Banter 18. Free tea and coffee 19. Laid back office environment 20. Comfy chair

TACKLING EAST MIDLANDS HOUSING CRISIS WOULD BOOST REGION’S ECONOMY BY £153 MILLION The East Midlands would get a shot in the arm of £153 million and 3,300 full-time jobs would be created or sustained if more affordable homes were built now to help tackle the housing crisis, according to the National Housing Federation.

Experts have warned that the region needs to build 4,100 affordable homes per year to keep pace with demand, yet last year just 1,480 were built – less than half the number needed.

RYANAIR INCREASES POPULAR EAST MIDLAND FLIGHTS Budget airline Ryanair has announced its summer flying schedule and aims to carry two million passengers from East Midlands Airport in 2015. The Irish carrier has chosen to increase the frequency of flights to some of its popular destinations, adding just one new destination.

This move is in response to customer feedback, according to Ryanair’s chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs. “From listening to our customers, the demand is not necessarily for more destinations but greater frequency to destinations they already love,” said Mr Jacobs. “This summer we will be offering them greater flexibility with these extra flights.”

Ryanair’s new service is a twice weekly flight to Malta, while destinations for additional flights include Alicante, Berlin, Faro, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, Palma and Tenerife. Tickets are now available priced £19.99 for the first 100,000 seats.

Mr Jacobs added “There is a good demand for flying to Malta from the UK and always has been.”

The airline, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has been flying from East Midlands for ten years where it is the largest operator, accounting for

almost half of flights. Ryanair employs around 500 people at East Midlands operating nine aircraft on its 35 routes, whilst indirectly sustaining hundreds of other jobs in the local economy.

Mr Jacobs also said that the airline was working hard to improve the customer’s experience. “We were aware of the public perception that Ryanair was a bit rough around the edges, but our low fares will be here to stay as they are the basis of our business.”

The airline has now made its website easier to use, cut baggage check-in fees, given passengers the opportunity to reserve seats and introduced mobile boarding passes.

East Midlands Airport has also been investing heavily in upgrading its passenger terminals. “We have been spending millions of pounds on improving the terminal facilities,” says East Midlands managing director, Andy Cliffe. “Ryanair’s push to improve customer service fits in with our investment. It is about providing a pleasant, hassle-free passenger experience, from the moment they arrive at the airport, to when they arrive at their destination.”

Across England as a whole we need to build 78,500 affordable homes each year. This would directly contribute £3.6 billion to the economy and support

over 71,000 full-time jobs. It would also help the 1.37 million households stranded on waiting lists for affordable housing.

The Greater Cambridge and Peterborough area would benefit from an annual cash injection of £105 million into the local economy if enough affordable homes were built to meet local demand. Building more affordable homes in this area would support roughly 2,150 jobs by creating new employment opportunities and also keeping people in work – these could be in newly boosted local businesses or housing associations themselves.

Across the East Midlands: Area

New affordable homes (Local Enterprise Partnerships) needed per year

Direct contribution to local economy

Full-time jobs

Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

1,695

£63,304,314

1,373

Greater Cambridge & Greater Peterborough

2,038

£105,306,390

2,149

Greater Lincolnshire

1,108

£41,381,227

897

Leicester and Leicestershire

758

£28,309,540

614

Northamptonshire

803

£29,990,185

650

2,484

£128,351,851

2,619

South East Midlands

Kate Warburton, East Midlands Manager at the National Housing Federation said:

that politicians commit to ending the housing crisis within a generation by building more homes now.”

“There are simply not enough affordable homes being built in the East Midlands; people across the region are struggling to find the homes they need at a price they can afford. Not building the homes we’re going to need represents a failing of generations to come, and a missed opportunity today.

The National Housing Federation is part of the Homes for Britain campaign which is calling on the next government to end the housing crisis within a generation. For the first time the entire housing sector, ranging from housing associations and architects to private developers, planners and architects, are jointly calling on the next government to publish a year-long plan within a year of taking office outlining how they will tackle the housing crisis over the next 25 years.

“The numbers show that new homes are more than roofs over heads; they bring wealth to local areas and improve job prospects. That’s why we’re asking

Page 6. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

TRADE RETURNS AFTER BRIDGE REOPENS

Traffic flows over the reopened bridge.

For almost 16 months local businesses suffered a loss of passing trade with the closure of the London Road railway bridge.

Three months after the bridge reopened, the signs are that passing trade has returned and those retailers affected can look forward with some optimism.

With the bridge closed, diversions carried the traffic into the city, from the south, away from London Road. The new bridge was opened on the 27th November by the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Shiraz Khan, who made the first crossing of the bridge in the mayoral car.

The bridge is now free from weight restrictions and open to all traffic including heavy goods vehicles, although temporary lights are still in operation, on the bridge to allow pedestrians to cross while works to the northern footway are completed and the temporary footbridge removed.

There is no weight restriction on the new bridge.

A train heads for Birmingham under the new structure.

The original four-span bridge, over the Derby-Birmingham line to the south of Derby station, was built in 1878 and has seen a massive change in the volume, and weight, of road traffic in that time.

Following structural inspections in 2002, a weight limit and singleway working were introduced until a strengthening scheme was put in place, allowing the bridge to reopen to two-way traffic, in 2003, with a weight restriction of 18 tonnes. The condition of the bridge continued to decline and a 7.5 tonne restriction was placed on the bridge in 2012.

The bridge replacement scheme was announced by the government in 2011, one of a number of key Local Major Infrastructure projects with £4.4m funding from the DfT towards the total cost of £6.9m.

The road closed in August 2013 for an expected 12 months, but the project was delayed by a national shortage of steel and the complexity of the number of utility services carried by the bridge.

The new bow-string arch was in place by August and the diverted utilities were then routed back across the bridge.

Local traders complained that the loss of passing trade, caused by traffic being rerouted through Pride Park, has cost them thousands of pounds. Many felt that the Derby City Council should have offered help to the affected businesses, but the council said that, legally, they were unable to help.

Alex Minion, of Bob Minion Motorcycles on London Road, was delighted that the bridge was open again. The business, started by his great grandfather, is just a

“We have seen a rise in sales of smaller items such as helmets and jackets” hundred yards from the bridge and one of many affected by the closure. “There was definitely a drop in passing trade,” he said.

“It affected the smaller items, such as clothing sales, although anyone interested in the larger items, such as motorcycles, would find a way round. Other traders rely solely on passing trade, such as take-aways, so they must have been badly affected.”

The past three months have seen some of the lost trade return.

“We have seen a rise in sales of smaller items such as helmets and jackets,” said Alex. “There will be a truer gauge as we go further into our season, when the weather picks up, but we have already seen more passing trade for parts and accessories, so it’s very encouraging.”

HGVs can now use the route again.

Alex Minion is delighted that passing trade has returned

Alex Minion says passing trade seems to have returned.

Card Retailers could be contributing to forest destruction.

East Midlands childcare costs “major barrier to work” as nursery costs rise a third in five years, says industry expert

Two High Street retailers have recently sold greetings cards that could be contributing to forest destruction. The testing, organised by WWF-UK and carried out by a laboratory in Germany, tested 20 cards and envelopes. Three products, bought from Paperchase, the Card Factory and Clinton’s contained various amounts of Mixed Tropical Hardwood (MTH), meaning that the fibres had most likely come from natural growth tropical forests.

Responding to news from the Family and Childcare Trust that nursery costs in the East Midlands have risen 36.7% since 2010, Julian Foster, Managing Director of Computershare Voucher Services, said: “Childcare costs are a major barrier to work for far too many parents.

“Employers could do more to help parents by making flexible working opportunities a reality for employees at all levels.

Of the three retailers, one, Paperchase, seems able to provide evidence that their product was from a sustainable source. This highlights the need for firms to carefully scrutinise their supply chains to reassure themselves and their customers that their products are not contributing to forest destruction.

More cards are bought per person in the UK than in any other country, with an average of 31 per person bought every year, and last year the UK market for greeting cards was valued at £1.29 billion. Due to legislative loopholes, it is possible to legally sell imported cards that have been made from illegally-logged or cleared forests.

WWF wants the loopholes closed and firms to take proper responsibility for their supply chains.

WWF believes consumers should be confident that the cards they buy are not contributing to the illegal logging or unsustainable harvest of forests in places like South East Asia.

Beatrix Richards, Head of Corporate Stewardship Timber and Seafood, WWF, said;

“These results suggest that the true cost of our Valentine’s card could be far greater than the price on the wrapping. They may be contributing to the further loss of some of the most valuable forests in the world.

“Companies that rely on forests for their raw materials should scrutinise their supply chains, and reassure consumers that they are buying cards made from recycled or sustainable materials.”

Over thirty UK businesses have already signed up to WWF’s Forest Campaign that will help enable a market in 100% sustainable timber and wood products by 2020, including Carillion Kingfisher, Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Travis Perkins.

Deforestation is an issue affecting some of our most important natural forests around the world, and with global demand for wood set to triple by 2050, businesses and countries need to get their act together in order to ensure a sustainable supply for the future.

The European Timber Regulation (EUTR), which came in to force in March 2013, was set up across Europe to remove illegally sourced timber from the EU markets.

Due to loopholes in the EUTR it is currently legal to import certain goods made from illegally sourced wood, such as greetings cards, musical instruments or books. These exemptions mean that some firms may be unwittingly or deliberately purchasing materials from dubious sources.

Our campaign for compensation continues for those affected by the negligent actions of a Health Care Worker appointed by the University of Derby to provide services as part of the Occupational Health Service.

We now represent over 100 Claimants, comprising of both past and present students at Derby University who were

“There is still time for employers to set up their own childcare voucher scheme to help parents with childcare costs before the government’s taxfree voucher scheme is rolled out later this year, especially as many families won’t be eligible for the new scheme.”

This is the fifth year that Computershare have sponsored the report.

enrolled on programmes within the Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences, and who were affected by the Health Care Worker in question’s failure to follow correct medical procedures.

The practices of this Healthcare Worker which include the re-use of single use blood tube holders and the administration of multiple doses of vaccinations from one syringe, appears to have taken place over a significant period of time.

We are in communication with both the University and the Representatives of the Health Care Worker and are seeking to ensure that those affected by this individual`s actions receive the right amount of compensation to which they are entitled. Many of our clients have told us of how the news of the need to be tested for blood-borne viruses came

whilst they were in the middle of exams or at a time when they were dealing with other issues; far from being “reassured” by the letter from NHS England as to the low risk of infection, our clients have instructed us that their medical background heightened their anxieties as they were able to fully appreciate the potential implications of what the Health Care Worker had done. For many, despite receiving the “all clear”, there have been longer lasting repercussions with a high number reporting increased apprehension and vigilance when undergoing medical procedures in the future. We are continuing to work on behalf of our clients to ensure that they are adequately compensated for the trauma which they have gone through, and to some extent still feel, occasioned by this incident.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 7.

COVETED AWARD FOR MERCIA MARINA Half of Midlands residents

find it difficult to make their money stretch until next pay day

Holiday Lodges at Mercia Marina.

Mercia Marina.

S

outh Derbyshire’s Mercia Marina has won a coveted Gold David Bellamy conservation award for the fourth year running.

The 74-acre marina, near Willington, the largest inland marina in Europe, received the award from the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA), of which celebrity conservationist David Bellamy OBE is President. The awards scheme recognises holiday parks for work they have done to protect, or enhance, the natural environment or wildlife.

Mercia Marina qualified for the scheme four years ago when it launched the development of its luxury holiday lodges. The marina now has sixteen lodges overlooking its 24-acre lake with permission to build a further ten.

Professor Bellamy last year hailed Mercia Marina as “a champion of all things green”, being particularly impressed by its efforts to improve biodiversity in and around the beauty spot as well as its enthusiastic committee of wildlife volunteers.

Despite an abundance of budgeting apps and 24/7 access to our bank accounts, many of us are still struggling to manage our money effectively.

Research by TopCashback.co.uk reveals that half of Midlands residents find it difficult to make their money stretch until their next pay day.

The study also found that despite around half of residents saying they save each month, with more than a quarter putting between £51-£100 into a savings pot, 22 per cent are overspending into their next pay cheque with 47 per cent admitting to splurging on pay day treats.

However, when it comes to saving the pennies,

Professor David Bellamy.

“This is just the fourth time we’ve entered the awards scheme, and the fourth time our conservation efforts have been recognised with a gold award,” said Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina. “The award is testament to all the hard work and planning of both the marina staff and the fantastic group of volunteers who help us look after the environment here.”

The awards scheme was cofounded, in1996, by naturalist and broadcaster Professor David Bellamy in partnership with the BH&HPA. The assessors analyse everything from the

toilet flush systems to the wildlife management to arrive as their award level.

Since Mercia Marina opened in 2008, a six-figure sum has been spent on landscaping and conservation projects, such as tree planting and the creation of specific wildlife habitats including a butterfly drift. The marina last year opened The Boardwalk, its new £1.7m waterside shopping, leisure and office development on the site, in conjunction with a new sensory garden, outdoor events area and programme of circular walks.

around half of residents cut back on their social life expenses and a third try to cut out unnecessary shopping in order to manage their money better.

Other key findings include: •

• •

The most popular pay day treat for men and women in the Midlands is going out for a meal Women feel more guilty about treating themselves on pay day than men do 17 per cent of residents would like to be paid on a fortnightly basis

The full set of statistics for the East and West Midlands are displayed in the infographics below:

Page 8. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

DERBY ARENA – COUNCIL NAMES THE DAY! Derby City Council have announced the date for the opening of the new Derby Arena. The city’s flagship venue will be unveiled on Thursday 19th March at a special evening event. This opening event will welcome hundreds of local people who will have the chance to receive a ticket from local media outlets.

This iconic event will be staged as a ‘game of two halves’, which will allow the audience to experience the different uses of Derby Arena. Information on the latest news and updates, including the great opportunity of winning a family VIP ticket to this iconic event will be available shortly through the council’s website.

The following day, 20th Mach will see the Arena begin a 30 day introductory programme with visitors invited to come in for a tour and use the new Cafe 42. The cycle track will be open to members, club users and customers, who have already purchased cycling gift vouchers, and the state-of-the-art gym

“The initial ‘unwrapping’ event promises to be something quite special. We are offering a brilliant opportunity to see the Arena in all its glory, try first-hand what it has to offer and most importantly, give the Arena’s visitors and Derby people the opportunity to help us shape the running and operating of this fabulous venue.” will also be available to members.

The opening marks the start of a month-long series of events, to ‘unwrap’ the new venue, including Team Derby’s elite National Badminton League fixture on Monday 23rd March.

“I’m truly excited to announce the opening date for the iconic, world class, venue that is Derby Arena,” said Councillor Alison Martin, cabinet member for leisure and culture. “The initial ‘unwrapping’ event promises to be something quite special. We are

offering a brilliant opportunity to see the Arena in all its glory, try first-hand what it has to offer and most importantly, give the Arena’s visitors and Derby people the opportunity to help us shape the running and operating of this fabulous venue.”

Youngsters in the East Midlands invited to take on fun Great Pancake Challenge to help vulnerable children

Over 60s in the East Midlands outdo youngsters on city breaks and spontaneous holidays Despite younger generations having a reputation for being cultural wanderlusts, new research suggests that over 60s in the East Midlands are proving to be the biggest fans of city breaks and spontaneous holidays. A study by TopCashback.co.uk, released today, reveals that half of 61-70 year-olds in the East Midlands prefer city breaks, compared to 18 per cent of 21-30 year-olds.

When it comes to researching and booking holidays, residents over 70 in the East Midlands are the most spontaneous with half saying they book their holidays after just four hours of research, compared to 21-30 year-olds who tend to spend one to two weeks planning their trips before booking.

61-70 year-olds are also more confident to tailor-

make their holidays, with three-quarters stating they’d rather book their hotel and travel separately, compared to just 45 per cent of 21-30 year-olds.

Other key findings reveal that: • • •

13 per cent of over 60s said they prefer adventure getaways to beach breaks Those over 60 prefer to use their credit cards whilst on holiday, rather than cash The top dream holiday destinations amongst Brits include Australia, The Maldives, Bora Bora, Hawaii and the Moon

The full set of statistics is displayed in the infographic below:

Schools, youth groups and families across the East Midlands are invited to mark Shrove Tuesday by raising funds for vulnerable children and young people with a pancakethemed challenge.

Action for Children is holding its first national Great Pancake Challenge this year – and the charity wants children aged 7-11 years old from the region to join the fun by holding sponsored flips, stacking tall towers, decorating, or creating their own unusual pancake activities.

Director of children’s services at Action for Children, Emma Horne, said: “Every child who takes part in this year’s Great Pancake Challenge – whether in schools, youth groups or at home – will be helping us to make a life-changing difference to vulnerable and neglected children and young people across the East Midlands, and the UK. “It’s also a good excuse to have lots of

pancake-themed fun, so please get in touch to find out more!”

Events can be held on Shrove Tuesday on 17 February, or on another date if more convenient.

Action for Children will be supporting participants every flip of the way through a special pancake activity pack including leaflets, balloons, stickers and sponsorship forms. Local fundraisers will be on hand to offer support for events, and there will be a special certificate for schools and youth groups taking part.

For more details and to register for the Great Pancake Challenge, please call Action for Children’s supporter care team on 0300 123 2112, email ask.us@ actionforchildren.org.uk or visit www. actionforchildren.org.uk.

NEW ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN SEEKS TO RECRUIT FOSTER CARERS FOR DERBYSHIRE Derbyshire County Council has joined forces with other midlands councils in a bid to boost the number of people who want to become foster carers.

Councils for Derbyshire, N o t t i n g h a m s h i r e , Northamptonshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Derby have funded a joint television and radio advertising campaign beginning on February 16 and running for two weeks. By working together councils share the costs while still reaching their target audience.

The first television advert airs on Monday 16 February at 8pm on ITV. The county council seeks to recruit, train, approve and support enough foster carers to meet the needs of the 607 children in our care, 440 of whom are in foster care with the local authority or an agency. We want to recruit at least 113 more approved foster carers.

Councillor Kevin Gillott, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Making sure Derbyshire children have the best possible future is one of our

priorities. Ideally children should grow up in a family environment.

Children living with foster carers get the care and attention all young people deserve and it enables fostering families to really make a difference.

“Sharing our advertising campaign with other councils means we share the costs and the people of Derbyshire get the best possible value for money.”

Anyone interested in fostering for Derbyshire should visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/fostering

a great alternative for your child’s birthday party.

Fairy Gems will come to your party venue and create beautiful jewellery with your guests.

Your children will have lots of fun and learn new skills.

fairy gems

CHILDREN’S JEWELLRY PARTIES find out more at www.fairygems.net or call Sarah on 07766 008189

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 9.

MOORWAYS POOL TO STAY OPEN FOR ANOTHER YEAR

Cllr Alison Martin, cares about her city.

Moorways Pool Campaigners are celebrating after Derby City Council has reversed its decision to close its Moorways pool facility at the end of March. The group forced the council to hold a debate after presenting a petition, against the closure, having almost 6,000 signatures. The council promised to look again at the budget and have now said the pool will stay open for at least one more year.

Campaign leader Audrey Chaplin, of Chellaston, was delighted with the news. “I’m thrilled to bits,” she said. “We know it’s only for twelve months, at the moment, but other parties have promised to keep it open if they get in at the election. We must wait and see what happens.”

The council had argued that it must save £22 million in the face of cuts to its grant from the Government and other pressures. It proposed to close the swimming pool in April, in an attempt to save some

£350,000 before building a new 50 metre pool on the same site. The petition called for the closure to be postponed until a replacement is ready.

Closure of the pool would have forced hundreds of swimmers, including school swimming classes and the City of Derby swimming club, to look elsewhere.

The council also operates the pool at Queen’s Leisure Centre in the city centre, but this pool would not have the capacity to cope with the extra demand.

The debate, at the end of January, became heated as Council leader Ranjit Banwait blamed cuts in Government funding for the financial position in which the Council finds itself. When opposition councillors walked out of the meeting the Labour group changed the motion to reflect this and it was voted through. The motion read “Council agrees to support the Labour administration in its ongoing campaign for a Fair Deal for Derby from the Tory-led

JENSON BUTTON TRIATHLON FOR DERBY

Jenson Button in action.

Ever fancied racing against Jenson Button? This could be your chance. The 2009 Formula 1 World Champion is bringing his annual charity triathlon event to Derby’s Markeaton Park, in what promises to be a fantastic day.

After three incredibly successful years at Luton Hoo, the 2015 Jenson Button Trust Triathlon, in association with Cancer Research UK, is set to be the biggest staged to date with the capacity for 800 competitors. To be held in Markeaton Park on Sunday 12th July, competitors have the chance to race against the McLaren Honda Formula 1 driver and a number of amateur and professional triathletes.

“We are very excited to be heading to Derby,” said Jenson. “The move allows us to grow the capacity of the Triathlon whilst also being very careful that the event doesn’t lose the charm and family atmosphere we have built over the last few years. We have been very impressed by the support and enthusiasm shown by the local council and city of Derby to help us take the event to the next level.”

Keeping to a tried and tested sprint format, competitors have the chance to race twice, with a preliminary heat consisting of a 200m lake swim, 11km cycle and 2.5km run. The top performers will then go on to the final, 400m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run, with the runners-up having a wooden spoon race.

Dean Jackson, head of HUUB Events, has been instrumental in bringing the event to the city. “This

Dean Jackson of HUUB.

is a real coup for Derby. It will be a great event for local competitors and triathletes from all over the UK. We are determined to make this an event that can be enjoyed by the whole community with races for people at different levels and a real party atmosphere in the park.”

Derby wetsuit manufacturer HUUB has worked closely with Derby City Council to pitch for the event.

“This is fantastic news for Derby on so many fronts,” said council leader Cllr Ranjit Banwait. “The Jenson Button Trust Triathlon joins a packed programme of events which are popular with residents and visitors alike. I hope the whole of Derby get behind this event and make it a fantastic showcase for our wonderful city.”

The Jenson Button Trust Triathlon is a truly unique event, which aims to incorporate competition with a relaxed festival atmosphere. As with previous years there will be an event village, boosted in size for 2015, a post-race party with live music and prizes to be presented personally by Jenson.

For the second year running the Trust has partnered with Cancer Research UK with all profits and fundraising from the event going towards beating cancer sooner.

More information on the event, including exclusive competitions and training tips can be found @ JBTrustTri or visit www.jensonbutton.com Tickets are now available from www.jensonbuttontri.com

Government, as it seeks to find ways to postpone any closure of Moorways until a replacement facility is ready.”

Mrs Chaplin had been disappointed with this, earlier, outcome. “Politics should not have come into it. All I wanted to know was, were they going to keep it open for another year or not?”

Mr Banwait said the council had now looked again at the budget for the coming year and that a management restructure would enable the authority to save cash to keep the venue open.

The restructure should save the council around £600,000 in administration costs, from 1st April, and this would provide the £350,000 cost of running the Moorways pool until 31st March 2016.

Councillor Alison Martin, cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, denied claims that the u-turn was a political ploy in the run up to the elections.

“If you care about your city, you don’t put forward a proposal like that. We have a responsibility to set a

Mel Marshall, council support is imperative. balanced budget. We are also confident that money would be made available if Labour win the General Election as,unlike other parties, we support the idea of subsidised leisure facilities.”

The council still wants to build a new 50-metre pool, on the Moorways site, to be opened in 2018 The decision to keep the pool open also came as a relief to City of Derby swimming club head coach Mel Marshall whose protégé Adam Peaty had such a wonderful year in 2014. “For me to know the council supports a centre that bring life, enjoyment and health to so many is imperative,” said Mel. “We should be able to have funding to support swimming projects and allow people to enjoy the beauty of swimming. It’s a wonderful sport and I am so happy to see it still be available at Moorways for the coming year for people to enjoy.”

Mrs Chaplin said the campaign group will continue to watch the situation closely. “At the end of the day it is only a reprieve. If the Labour council is re-elected we will continue to campaign to keep the pool open.”

Page 10. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

COMMUNITY GROUP SEEK COLLEGE BUYOUT A community group has come together, in Heanor, to try and save a historic building for the community, and for the town. As we reported, last month, Derby College has put the Grade II listed building, on Mundy Street, up for sale. Formerly Heanor Grammer School, the building was closed by the college when plans to turn it into a digital studio fell through.

Derby College has invited offers, from interested parties, to buy the site, which includes a threestorey classroom block and an extension to the main building, with a deadline in March. The college hopes a new owner would be able to use the site to breathe new life into the nearby town centre which is in desperate need of regeneration.

The community group, led by Ella McManus, has come together to look into the possibility of a buyout and to gauge the level of interest within the town. A meeting in early February drew over eighty local people, together with Amber

Ella McManus (third from right) and the group leaders outside the former college building

Ella McManus (fourth from right) and the group leaders outside the former college building.

Valley Borough Councillors and Nigel Mills MP. The group is worried that the only bids Derby College has received could be from developers wanting to turn the property into residential accommodation, and that would not bring badly-needed trade into the town.

After securing 56 signatures from local residents, willing to get behind a community bid, Mrs McManus said “The public have displayed their enthusiasm for the building. It is steeped in the history of Heanor and very pivotal to the regeneration of Heanor itself. That’s one of our concerns, with such a large building in the centre of the town of Heanor you could do so much with it in order to help Heanor itself. The town has suffered so much in the last ten years with a lot of empty shops. This is another empty building, starting to decay.”

Amber Valley Borough Council leader Paul Jones, a former pupil at the grammar school, attended

the meeting and expressed his disappointment at the decision to sell the building. He believes Derby College should have explored other options more thoroughly before putting the site on the market. “Both the borough and town council could have offered financial support via a grant or soft loan and we are disappointed that it has not been considered,” he said.

“The council has worked with the college in the past and we would like to continue our relationship, ensuring that the site is developed in a way that will benefit the residents and businesses of Heanor and protects the grade two-listed building.” He added “The borough council considers the location a strategic site in regards to the regeneration of the town.”

Derby College have promised to find a buyer committed to using the building to help the regeneration of the town, but Mrs McManus said the group is not

convinced.

“I do think we need to worry,” she said, “because we’re not guaranteed of that. We have an idea of what their plans are and I don’t think it would be a very good idea for the town, turning it into residential.”

Mrs McManus was encouraged by the level of community support shown. “I think there is support for a community bid, with the level of support we saw last night. I think they need to understand how the people of Heanor actually feel about that building. With over eighty people turning up, and Nigel Mills and local councillors being there, it shows how seriously we take this building and the vision of the building. There are places around the country where there’s been a community buyout and they’ve done a fantastic job of the historical buildings within their towns, and they’ve been a real asset to their town.”

The group would like to apply for funding but, at present, do not have enough information to proceed, and time is running out. “To put forward any plans for grant funding or lottery funding, we would need to show that there is a need for that building within the community and that the community are actually going to support it,” Mrs McManus added. “The issue is that we don’t know what it is going to cost, at the moment, they are asking for tenders. The first stumbling block is the cost. Nigel Mills was there

The former grammar school and college building in Mundy Street.

Cllr Paul Jones.

last night and he said you could be talking seven figures. We’re not being naive about the cost of the building, we want to see if it’s worth investing the time and the effort because that’s what is going to cost more than anything.

We need to move fast. We have until the end of March. We had 56 signatures last night backing a possible community buyout but it would help if we knew what it would actually entail.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 11.

Page 12. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Harworth opens wind turbine project at former colliery in Derbyshire Wind turbines to provide enough energy to power 1,000 homes Harworth Estates, the UK property regeneration company, has completed the installation of a 500KW wind turbine at the former Arkwright surface mine, close to the village of Duckmanton, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, in partnership with Energy Prospects Co-operative Ltd. The site forms part of the former Arkwright open cast mining operation, which has been reclaimed and restored to agricultural land.

Co-operative are also currently working on planning applications for two further single turbine projects. One is near Edlington, Doncaster, and another near Selby, North Yorkshire.

Hannah Moxon, Assistant Management Surveyor, of Harworth Estates’ Natural Resources division, said: “These two projects demonstrate our expertise at transforming previously-developed land to support low-carbon energy projects.

The wind turbine, which is now operating, Funding through the share offer created a lot generates sufficient energy to power around of local interest and support for the project.

1,000 local homes. Energy is fed into the National These wind turbines are an important part of Grid, utilising the grid connection adjacent to the Harworth’s commitment to the community and the turbine site. environment. We also look forward to continuing to work with Energy Prospects on single turbine The wind turbine was developed in partnership schemes on our other sites”. with Energy Prospects Co-operative on one acre of land on the site. Energy Prospects Co-operative Harworth has developed a number of renewable raised money to fund the development of the energy schemes on its landholdings in partnership turbine through a public share offer, giving priority with a number of other leading energy companies, to those who live locally. creating new clean energy to power thousands of Harworth is also working with Energy Prospects homes and businesses every year. The Harworth Co-operative to develop a second 500KW portfolio currently includes three operational turbine at the former Shafton Two Gates colliery wind schemes and two operational solar site in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, after planning farms. Harworth’s Natural Resources division permission for the project was granted by Barnsley is dedicated to developing low-carbon energy metropolitan borough council in January 2014. developments, with a pipeline of projects with Ground works have already commenced and the the potential to deliver 170MW of power from its turbine is expected to be operating by summer of low-carbon energy schemes – enough to power 2015. Harworth Estates and Energy Prospects 50,000 family homes.

UK Government pays you to swap your energy source…

As part of the huge global initiative to reduce carbon emissions, our Government aims for 15% of the UK’s energy to be renewable by 2020.

Generous financial incentives are available to encourage as many people as possible to make the change.

Harness the power of sunshine…

Solar PV panels on the roofs of houses are a fairly common sight these days. That’s because lots of people have already taken advantage of the Governments incentives to swap to solar power.

Solar PV panels convert energy from the sun directly into electricity to power your TV, washing machine, fridge, hot water system or any other electric appliance in your home. Reducing the amount of electricity drawn from the National Grid reduces carbon emissions and with the average life of a solar panel being 25 years that means the environment will benefit for quarter of a century!

Mainline install solar energy solutions into private homes and businesses helping them reduce their electricity bills and claim the financial rewards from the government.

“We are absolutely delighted with our solar installation and the overall performance of the system. Mainline were very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire process and we would recommend them every time” Mr & Mrs Rennie Dalbury Lees, Derbyshire

Why choose Biomass for heating?

Biomass is a renewable fuel source widely available throughout the UK in the form of wood chippings, pellets or logs. Life cycle CO2 emissions are extremely low compared to fossil fuels; when replacing oil or electricity it can reduce them by up to 90%!

Biomass heating systems are ideal for farms, schools, sports clubs, hotels or even large residential properties. In fact any establishment where space is available to accommodate the boiler and fuel store.

Mainline provides a full installation service including design and project management and we tailor each installation to our customer’s exact needs. Systems can be fitted into existing outbuildings, garages or can be containerised in their own custom built pod. The boiler can connect to any existing central heating system, powering it and reducing fuel bills by up to 50%.

In addition to reduced fuel bills the Government RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) yields on average a 20% return on investment. Mainline can handle all the paperwork and once your claim is processed the monthly RHI payments will go straight into your bank account.

“We’re very impressed with Mainline, the installation of our Biomass Boiler system was a complete success. It’s easy to maintain, our bills are reduced and we’re seeing a steady return on our investment”.

SWITCH TO SAVE - £320 MILLION UP FOR GRABS BY SWITCHING ENERGY SUPPLIER 1.6 million households across the North West are missing out on their share of £320 million by sticking with their energy company.

By shopping around and taking advantage of the best energy deals on the market, millions of people can save around £200 and some can save even more.

The ‘Power to Switch’ campaign, launched today, encourages people to switch supplier and save money by visiting www.

BeAnEnergyShopper.com.

With 26 energy companies on the market and some fixed deals £100 cheaper than they were a year ago, there’s never been a better time to find a great deal, switch and save.

Launching the campaign, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “When it comes to switching, the power is in people’s hands to get a better deal and save.

“We’ve reformed the market so that there are more suppliers, more competition, and a much faster and simpler process to switch. That means millions of people can switch supplier and save hundreds of pounds today.”

Energy and Climate Change Minister Amber Rudd said: “We’ve already taken £50 off bills and now we’re urging

people to take advantage of the most competitive energy market we’ve ever had to save hundreds of pounds.

“With Ofgem’s strengthened Confidence Code for price comparison sites, people will be able to have greater confidence than ever before that by switching, they’ll see real savings.”

The Government’s programme of energy market reform includes: • Halving switching times it now takes only 17 days to switch energy supplier down from 5 weeks last year • Encouraging new suppliers on to the market – there are now 20 independent suppliers • Legislating to back Ofgem reforms that force energy companies to make energy bills clearer – and providing information for customers about how to switch Ofgem has recently strengthened its Confidence Code for price comparison websites, setting tighter standards on how tariffs are displayed with websites given until the end of March to comply Martin Lewis, Money Saving

Expert, said: “We need to shout loud about the benefits of switching tariff.

Too many people think energy firms are ‘all the same’. That’s far from true, there are huge differences on both price and customer service.

“The worry is that news of recent price cuts, even though they were paltry, will have given many false confidence that they’re on a decent deal. Examine the figures and the ugly truth is very different.

“Even after price cuts, someone on a Big 6 supplier standard tariff with typical use will pay £1,158 a year, whereas switch to the cheapest tariff and they’d pay just over £900 a year. So it’s worth people taking 10 minutes to see if they can save themselves £250 — at an hourly rate of £1,500 if someone else was offering this to you as work, would you turn it down?”

The ‘Power to Switch’ campaign will run for four weeks and will include national, regional and online advertising, encouraging people to switch and save.

For more information about how to switch energy supplier visit www.BeAnEnergyShopper. com or call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

Paul Milner Hall Farm, Leicestershire

How do I make the swap?

Swapping to renewable energy makes environmental and financial sense but if you’re not sure where to start, Mainline are here to help.

We have a team of experts who will assess your requirements and provide you with a detailed proposal. We’ll manage the entire installation project with minimal disruption to your daily routine

plus we’ll help you complete the government paperwork so you can start receiving your financial rewards. It’s quick, easy and stress free plus it gives you that warm feeling of knowing you’re helping the planet.

So if you’d like to future-proof your property against rising energy bills why not call us today for your FREE consultation – 01283 222112 Find out more about renewable energy on our website www.mainline-energy.co.uk

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 13.

Page 14. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Cortijo Sabila Boutique Hotel Hotel owners Ray and Yvonne have transformed a once abandoned Spanish villa with neglected gardens into what must be the best boutique hotel in the whole of Andalusia.

giving people the best experience they can possibly have and our aim is for guests to arrive as strangers and leave as friends.

“We like to spoil people and ensure that this romantic and magnificent venue provides a Today, not only is Cortijo Sabila their family backdrop for the big day that will never be home, but it is also a luxurious boutique forgotten. hotel, surrounded by mountains and sitting in its own established olive groves in one of “Wherever people look there are simply Spain’s areas of outstanding natural beauty. stunning views, we have a natural salt-water swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bar, Andalusian The huge Moroccan courtyard in the garden and fountain. centre of the house has a lovely tiled fountain, chimanea and orange trees, with “We have exceptionally high standards in large umbrellas for shade. There is also a everything we do and the enjoyment of our formal dining room, ideal for private dining guests is at the heart of what we are all about. When people stay here we want them occasions by chandelier and candle light. to be happy and contented in all aspects of Guests can relax, refresh and rejuvenate in their stay.” any one of the seven gardens, by the salt water pool or separate jacuzzi or take a Husband Ray says the highlight of the hotel shiatsu massage in the Zen garden outside for him are the stunning gardens which were once just abandoned land. under the skies.

Each of the 8 rooms are individually designed He said: ”My vision was to transform once and decorated and the combination of the barren land into seven uniquely splendid stunning views, luxury accommodation and gardens. All are designed as peaceful attention to detail is what sets this hotel relaxing havens with sun and shade, from the English garden with trickling stream apart from the rest. to the quiet Zen garden and huge walled Cortijo Sabila is rapidly making a name for and the Alhambra Gardens with its water itself as an ideal venue for both weddings fountains are an incredible venue for a and honeymoons with the owners going out wedding or party.” of their way to ensure that nothing is left to For further information visit the hotel chance. website http://boutiquehotel-spain.com Yvonne said: “For weddings we specialise in

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 15.

Page 16. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 17.

Page 18. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 19.

Whats On www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

We’re celebrating our new offices with a FREE CLINIC DAY ON TUESDAY 21ST APRIL, 2015

THE TAXING QUESTIONS Is your Estate planned to minimise Tax implications?

Will your Will look after your loved ones?

Are you paying too much?

This FREE clinic is aimed at providing you with information so that you are able to make an informed choice on how you wish your estate to benefit those you love and want to provide for.

We are confident in the help our business can offer you and your loved ones and therefore offer these no obligation, no charge meetings for an initial discussion.

We can help you plan and protect IF: • Y o u a re u n h a p p y w ith th e fe e s th a t a re ta k e n fro m y o u r p e n sio n o n a n a n n u a l b a sis • Y o u w a n t y o u r m o n e y to w o rk h a rd e r a n d se e a h ig h e r re tu rn o n y o u r sa v in g s • Y o u n e e d y o u r in v e stm e n ts to b e sa fe a n d g u a ra n te e d • Y o u w a n t to k n o w h o w to im p ro v e th e re tu rn o n y o u r in v e s tm e n ts w h ils t r e d u c in g r is k • Y o u n e e d t o k n o w w h ic h is t h e b e t t e r o p t io n f o r y o u o r h o w t o e n s u r e y o u r c u r r e n t p e n s io n is p e r f o r m in g

Areas we can inform and will help guide you on will cover:• G iv e g u id a n c e o n h o w to le g a lly r e d u c e th e T a x y o u r e s ta te w o u ld p a y a fte r d e a th

It will cost you nothing to find out how prepared your estate is and we will even offer you a warming refreshing drink whilst we chat.

We are holding the meetings on Tuesday 21st April 2015 at our new offices:- The Old Vicarage, Castle Donnington and would

• Ensure your wishes are followed after death by having a

current and legally correct will in place • P r o p e r ty , p r o te c tin g th e fa m ily h o m e a n d p la n fo r y o u r fu tu re • Trusts, how to and when not to use them

like to offer your family the chance to attend. Timeslots are limited so we can ensure that everyone receives our full attention.

To book your free, no obligation clinic day meeting, please choose the option that best suits you.

Please phone: 01283 733964 Visit: www.calderfinance.co.uk/clinicdays or Email: enquires@calderfinance.co.uk Calder Finance (Midlands) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Network Direct Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some products such as Will services

swer n a u s’ lp yo uestion e h gq can We e taxin ‘th

Page 20. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

What can audiences expect from

ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS?

Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading Tributes to Roy Orbison, as he presents this contemporary production, celebrating the life and musical legacy of the Big O. Barry is backed in this all live multimedia show, with not only a fabulous band, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about the life and times of what is considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known.

Joining Barry in this musical extravaganza is Paul Molloy as a young Elvis and Boogie Williams as Jerry lee Lewis - How long have you been performing for and what made you want to present a tribute to Roy Orbison?

It was on a family holiday in Cornwall in 2001 that Barry took the first steps on the road to becoming a professional singer, when his wife Lynne and their daughter Leonie entered him into a singing competition without his knowledge. It was there that a fellow competitor said to him, “You know you sound

just like Roy Orbison singing Robbie Williams!” so with the help of family and friends a tribute to The Big ‘O’ was born.

- Why do you think the music of Orbison is still so popular?

Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes, the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written. Not only does the music take you back in time, they can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time. Orbison is known as a balladeer, but he also recorded and performed rocky and contemporary songs. His songs are quite simply timeless

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 21.

Page 22. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

The Great British Food Festival is BACK at Hardwick Hall

The Great British Food Festival is back at Hardwick Hall this May Bank Holiday, Sat May 2nd over the weekend to Bank Holiday Monday, May 4th.

The recipe for the weekend, well take over 80 top local and artisan producers, a big serving of stunning hot food, add a dash of real ale and wine bars, kids cookery lessons and lots of children’s activities, top chef demos from the likes of Great British Bake Off finalists Howard Middleton, Luis Troyano and Master Chefs Luke Owen, stir in a cake competition and the popular Men V’s Food, with lashings of excellent live music and mix together to make a lovely foodie family day out.

The main chef demo area hosts great local and tv chefs, all demos are free (as part of your admission ticket) to enter so everyone can pick up top foodie tips. There are also regular Artisan

TACK & SUNDRIES AUCTION IT’S BACK! SATURDAY TACK SALE!

Saturday 7th March (Held 1st Saturday of the month)

Looking for a bargain or just to sell some unwanted items?

Whether it’s a Horse Tack or Home Clearance items come along and have a browse.

Items can be booked in from 7:30am on the

SALE DAY also on Friday before by arrangement- call for details Book your lots in advance by ringing 07957 914322 The auction will commence at 10:30am

F

Find and like us on facebook!

Search ‘Melton Mowbray Market Fur ‘n’ Feather & Tack Sales’ for any upcoming sales information

For further information or to book please contact Helen on Mobile: 07957 914322 or e-mail: helen@meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk Conditions: Sundries: Commission will be charged at 15% with an entry fee of 50p per lot, any item realising over £50 will be charge as follows: 10% up to £100 and 5% on the remaining balance.

Tack: Commission will be charged at 15% with an entry fee of 50p. All vendors and buyers must have a buyers card at £2 per annum.

Cards run from January to December.

Foodie talks and the popular Great British Cake off and Men V’s Food for you to get involved with!

The Great British Food Festival has attracted lots of producers showcasing the best in local, seasonal and speciality food and drink. It’s a great opportunity to get a real taste of the best of Derbyshire and Great British produce - sample, enjoy and buy. With Great Britain’s amazing mix of cultures and cuisines we thought it would be a shame to overlook some more exotic elements - so you can try Thai, Mexican, Asian as well as pulled pork, prime steak, and the best local burgers and sausages, for those with more traditional tastes! After you’ve done your foodie shopping, sit out enjoying tasty hot food, a refreshing drink (or two), with great live music in the stunning surroundings of Hardwick Hall.

The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family.

TV PRESENTER REGGIE YATES CONFIRMED FOR 2015’s WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE First celebrity guest revealed as show prepares to move to Birmingham’s NEC

Who Do You Think You Are? Live, the world’s largest family history event, today confirms that TV presenter Reggie Yates is set to appear at this year’s show, which will run from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th April at a new venue, the Birmingham NEC. Appearing in the Celebrity Theatre, presenter, radio DJ and actor Reggie, who has fronted shows including Top of the Pops and The Voice, will talk about his experiences of filming his memorable episode of Who Do You Think You Are? which saw him travel to Ghana to uncover his complex family history.

Taking part in Series 11 of the long-running family history program, which celebrated its 100th episode last year, Yates met long-lost family members, unearthed information about his mixed race ancestors, and saw how African culture and British colonialism collided in his family’s

history.

Andy Healy, Show Director, says: “We’re delighted to have Reggie Yates on board for Who Do You Think You Are? Live. Alongside giving a fascinating insight into the journey of discovery he undertook while filming the show, Reggie will answer questions from the audience and is sure to share some top tips with visitors to the show.”

Sponsored by Ancestry, the world’s largest online family history resource, Who Do You Think You Are? Live will boast over 120 specialist exhibitors ranging from family history societies, museums and archive associations, to companies specialising in niche research.

Experts will be on hand to advise on everything from dating old photographs to explaining how to get started with searches online.

Also appearing at the three-day event will be actor, author and

historian Sir Tony Robinson, who will be with the Ancestry stand.

Visitors to Who Do You Think You Are? Live will also have access to a schedule of seminars throughout the three days, which will offer insight into a variety of genealogy topics including tracing European ancestors, researching Jewish ancestors, Birmingham Coroners’ Records and even the Real Peaky Blinders. The Imperial War Museum will also be exhibiting, with its Lives of the First World War Project and its new digitised log of all the personnel who fought in the conflict.

Tickets for Who Do You Think You Are? Live are available now online at www.whodoyouthinkyouarelive. com or by calling 0877 8737330.

Advanced single tickets are priced at £16 for adults, £25 for a two-day ticket and £30 for a threeday ticket, while children under 16 go free.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 23.

Page 24. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

“WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN”

For one night only The Russian State Ballet and Opera House at the Chesterfield, Pomegranate on Wednesday 25 February.

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF KAREN CARPENTER

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to see this rarely performed Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto - a tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge and sacrifice. (sung in Italian with English surtitles) A visually stunning new opera production with endless costumes, sumptuous sets and exquisite singing being premiered in the UK. Performed to a large live orchestra with over 30 musicians.

Rigoletto is an opera by Giuseppe Verdi, set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, and based on a play by Victor Hugo, ‘Le Roi s‘amuse’.

Often described as Verdi’s first work of complete genius, Rigoletto is particularly noted for its subtle and highly original characterisation, especially in the case of the tragic court jester, Rigoletto himself.

A succession of stunning tunes, including the famous ‘La donna è mobile’, combined with an ever-present underlying tension and menace in a plot involving abduction, seduction and a hired assassin.

Alexej Ignatow, producer of The Russian State Ballet & Opera House says: ‘Opera has been able to take advantage of the high-tech revolution in home entertainment,

television and cinema and more and more people are discovering it. However, nothing can replace the pleasure to attend a live performance, which is why we are dedicated to presenting full and positive new productions in regional theatres.

We want to give the opportunity to local audiences to experience these classics at a fraction of the cost they would pay in big cities, give them great pleasure and inspire them to want more.

Opera lovers, the world over, have taken Rigoletto to their hearts, and you are bound to be drawn in and immersed in the atmosphere that this production radiates.

An unforgettable experience for all.

Book online www.chesterfieldtheatres.com or call the Box Office 01246 345 222 For further information, www.opera-tickets.co.uk

One of the most fascinating but ultimately tragic stories in popular music history was the life of Karen Carpenter. In fact tragic is not a big enough word to describe the terrible sadness and waste of her short life. She died at the age of just 32 years. Karen was the voice of the multi-hit making group The Carpenters who along with her brother Richard, scored an unprecedented 17 consecutive billboard US top ten hits. The timeless quality of the Carpenters music makes it as relevant today as when they scored their first UK hit with Close to you in 1970.

Karen Carpenter had a unique voice, so unique in fact that it has proven almost impossible to duplicate its deep smoky emotional edge, creating that uniqueness that is so hard to perfect. Now for the very first time in over 30 years the voice that melted a thousand romantic hearts lives again through Toni

Lee, in this 2-hour touring concert show “We’ve Only Just Begun, the Carpenters Greatest Love Songs”. “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a celebration of the Carpenter’s music and the spirit of Karen Carpenter. Every song in the show is a chart hit, brilliantly performed by vocalist Toni Lee, with her Big Band and singers. This high quality production includes an audio visual presentation.

So close your eyes and re-live the magic of one of the greatest female voices in pop music history as Toni Lee becomes Karen Carpenter and sings over 22 hits including Close to You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Superstar, For All we Know, I won’t last a day without you, Goodbye to Love, Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, Jambalaya, Please Mr Postman, Only Yesterday, Solitaire, A Kind of Hush, I need to be in love, Calling Occupants, Sweet Sweet Smile, Make believe it’s your first time, and more.

The Golden Valley Equestrian Centre opens on March 14 and is set in 47 acres of grassland against a backdrop of fabulous rolling countryside. Golden Valley, near Alfreton, is an ideal location for this modern, state-of-the-art equestrian centre which is situated in beautiful woodland but is also close to main roads including the M1.

The facilities are really first class and include a purpose-built stable block which can accommodate 20 horses or ponies on full livery. There is also a 60 x 40 all-weather arena with a wax fibre silica sand surface and a new 60 x 30 indoor arena is currently under construction.

The parkland is all set in beautiful post and rail fencing, offering safe-grazing for all liveries and 20 acres of the land will be set aside for a BE standard cross-country course which is currently being designed and will be ready later in the year.

Golden Valley Equestrian Centre is open for enquiries and bookings from pony clubs, riding

clubs, show organisers and individuals looking for a venue to hold their events or hire for the day for training and clinics.

Golden Valley Equestrian Centre For more information contact 07536 068903.

Golden Valley Caravan and Camping Park Golden Valley Caravan Park is situated just off the M1, five minutes away from Ripley town and just a short walk away from the Midland Railway Museum.

Located in the beautiful hamlet of Golden Valley nestling alongside the Cromford Canal, in the heart of Derbyshire, the park is set within 26 Acres of historic woodland. There is a wide selection of pitch options within the woodland and it is a family-owned holiday park which is both family-orientated and pet friendly.

For more information call 01773 513881.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 25.

Golden Valley Equestrian Centre M enquiries@goldenvalleyequestriancentre.co.uk

OPENING DAY 14th MARCH

Stabling

Telephone: 07536068903

At the heart of this equestrian centre sits a start-of-the-art, purpose-built stable block to accommodate 20 horses or ponies on full livery, a 60 x 40 all-weather arena with a wax fibre silica sand surface. A new 30 x 60 indoor arena is currently under construction. The parkland is all set in beautiful post and rail fencing, offering safe-grazing for all liveries.

Make a date in your diary to come and see the fabulous stables, arenas and facilities first hand.

Stabling & Livery Servcies

The Arenas

The yard will be based on Full Livery and the standard rate will include: Mucking out, Haylage, Turnout and Basic Feeding.

The arenas are available for hire at any time. Golden Valley Equestrian Centre is now open for enquiries and bookings from Pony Clubs, Riding Clubs, Show Organisers and individuals looking for a venue to hold their events or hire for the day for training and clinics.

Daily ridden exercise, veterinary and farrier appointments, grooming and rug changing. Lorries and trailers can be kept on the premises by arrangement.

There will be staff coverage 24 hours a day to look after all the horses and to provide on-site security.

We treat your horses like our own!

BESPOKE PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE

offering a wide range of services

www.goldenvalleyequestriancentre.co.uk Golden Valley Equestrian Centre, Coach Road, Golden Valley, Near Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 4ES

Page 26. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 27.

Page 28. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 29.

Healthy Living www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

Stephen Toon Hearing Care Derby Independent hearing expert and audiologist Stephen Toon advises and helps people on a whole range of hearing-related problems in order to improve their quality of life.

Stephen, who worked with the BBC as audiology consultant for the “Don’t Die Young” TV series, offers home visits to clients throughout Derbyshire.

His wife Kate is severely deaf so he knows to emphasise with and give the very best advice and treatment to his clients.

Stephen said: “I have naturally always provided Kate with the very best hearing aids available, in order to give her the best hearing

possible and my philosophy is to offer my patients the very same choice, and bespoke care and attention that she receives.”

One of the main services he offers is ear wax removal for clients in their own homes. When too much wax builds up it can cause a blockage and lead to hearing loss. Stephen uses the latest micro suction techniques to remove this excess wax safely and painlessly.

Stephen is also an expert on the often bewildering variety of hearing aids on the market.

He can advise clients whether hearing aids would help improve their hearing and, if so, which

ones would suit them best.

He said: “Getting to know my patient is the most important thing I do when trying to restore someone’s hearing.

“I look at the lifestyle and needs of the client, as well as their chosen budget, to help determine which hearing aids will best meet their needs.

“Once the aids are fitted I offer many follow up visits during the initial months so that I can do the fine tuning necessary to ensure they work as well as possible.”

For further information check out Stephen’s website - http:// www.stephentoon.org/

Advanced Beauty

Emma Queralto is so convinced that clients will see results from her anti-aging pain-free facial treatments in just 15 minutes…that she will let you try for free when you book a no obligation consultation to find out more.

Her free taster treatments allow clients, both men and women to see exactly what is involved and ask any questions they may have. There are no needles and the whole thing is totally pain-free and very relaxing as lines and creases are effectively massaged away. Best results come from a course of weekly treatments meaning that ever elusive relaxing ‘me’ time is also finally scheduled into the diary .

Emma is based at Derby City Centre’s Cathedral Quarter at Headquarters Hairdressing Salon on the second floor of 49 Queen Street and uses the very latest equipment.

She has been working in the beauty industry since 2000 and says her facial treatments can produce amazing results.

Emma said: “You can see a difference in just 15 minutes which is why I am happy to let my clients have a free taster session as seeing with your own eyes is really believing.”

“The treatment involves using an electronic machine which gently massages over the face and neck. It is relaxing, painless, very effective and very affordable indeed, starting from just £25.

“Unlike botox or fillers this treatment will allow you to keep all your facial expressions and still look like yourself…only younger.”

The treatment is especially effective on ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes and on tightening loose skin such as droopy jowls..

It also increases blood circulation to the face and neck, leaving people looking less tired and much healthier and a full course of treatment can take years off people.

To book your own free taster session then send Emma a text now to 07968 942112

Page 30. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

RACE FOR LIFE LAUNCHES THE UK’S FIRST FEMALE ONLY MARATHON

WOMEN in the East Midlands are being offered the unique opportunity to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life Marathon - the first female-only marathon in the UK. Every hour, 3 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East Midlands*. And that’s why Cancer Research UK is calling on women to help make history by signing up for this exciting new event as soon as possible.

As well as raising funds for life-saving research, taking part in Race for Life Marathon is the perfect opportunity for women of all ages, shapes and sizes to tackle the marathon challenge - even if they’ve never done one before.

The event will take place at Lee Valley Park, London

urge ladies to sign up now. With their trainers at the ready, we know women are up for the challenge.”

Race for Life Marathon is a new addition to the Race for Life family, which also includes the muchloved 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events, which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding life-saving research.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the East Midlands.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But more funds and more

on Sunday, October 4. Participants can choose to run a full or half marathon course.

Lea Blake, Cancer Research UK’s Event Manager for Race for Life Marathon, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the first ever Race for Life Marathon.

“Race for Life events are all about inclusivity, fun and female camaraderie - and the Marathon is no different. Whether you’re a marathon pro or running novice, this brand-new event offers an accessible and supportive environment for women of all abilities.

“It’s not about how fast you run. It’s about creating an unstoppable force of women who are united in the bid to beat cancer. The Race for Life Marathon is set to be an inspiring and exhilarating event and we

01332 405358 enquiries@beautifuldentures.co.uk

Beautiful Dentures are experts in creating bespoke natural looking dentures that are individually handcrafted to provide you with the perfect fit, feel and function.

With new confidence in your smile, you can eat the foods You love and laugh whenever you feel like it. With Beautiful Dentures, you can enjoy a feeling of freedom to live life to the full, every day.

Beautiful bespoke design Providing an exceptional level of care and attention, we will work closely with your needs to create and fit the dentures that are right for you. By understanding your preferences and the end result you would like to achieve, we will help you achieve an appearance that makes you look and feel more confident.

An experienced team in creating beautiful smiles, trust Beautiful Dentures to take care of all your denture needs. Offering a range of exclusive denture services direct to the public, our Denture Clinics in Wolverhampton, Derby and Burton on Trent can: • Replace all of your missing teeth with Complete Denture • Replace one or several of your missing teeth with Partial Dentures • Replace your old dentures with Copy Dentures • Fix your broken dentures with Dentures Repairs • Reline your existing dentures with Denture Relining • Stabilise your dentures with Dental Implants Ready to look younger and feel great?

Simply contact us today to find out more about Beautiful Dentures.

supporters are needed to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Lea continued: “Twenty years ago Race for Life changed the face of women’s running in the UK, and we’re delighted to be trail-blazing once again with the UK’s first ever female-only marathon. We’re calling on the ladies to challenge themselves and achieve something amazing as they unite against cancer, the common enemy. Every pound raised at the Race for Life Marathon will help to fund our lifesaving research to help beat 200 types of cancer.”

To enter Race for Life Marathon today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 31.

American Tribal Style ® Belly Dance

Café Review: Hari Street Food

You just can’t beat mum’s cooking, can you?

Having flown the parental nest some years ago, I still crave her hot and spicy chicken curry. Which is why it’s always something of a thrill when I discover home-cooked food some place else and when I’m least expecting it.

I visited Hari’s Street Food on Pear Tree Road in Normanton and very nearly passed it by. The ordinary exterior makes it easy to dismiss, yet you need to give this place a whirl. Because once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back. Trust me, your freshly awakened taste-buds will be begging for more and will not relent until sated with spicy chaat and hot samosas washed down with steaming coffee.

So, what exactly is Indian street food? It’s more than just samosas and fried sundries, my friend.

If you’ve never heard of Indian style tapas then prepare to be blown away by Hari’s, whose dishes range from a variety of heavenly bite-size morsels such as Sev Puri (crisp pastry filled with puffed rice, spicy sauces, punchy chutney and tamarind) to Cheese Vada Pav (east meets west fusion sandwich with a smashed fried spicy potato patty topped with cheese and hugged by a barm cake).

The joy of Hari’s Street Food lies in its simplicity.

The menu is concise and fits on a single sheet of

A4, which is exactly how I like it. Me and my dining partner both ordered the Samosa Chaat which consisted of a hot smushed samosa covered with chaat spices, yogurt and chutney. I wolfed mine down in minutes and fighting off the urge to order a second portion (it was that scrumptious), resorted to sharing another dish with my dining partner. The

Beautiful Beautiful Dentures provides bespoke dentures which are individually handcrafted to provide users with the perfect fit, feel and function.

There are clinics at the Park Farm Shopping Centre, Allestree, Derby, and at George Street Burton on Trent, where free consultations are offered and all your questions about dentures will be answered.

Beautiful Dentures prides itself in offering exceptional levels of care and attention where the friendly, trained technicians work closely with clients to ensure their exact needs are met.

The result is perfectly fitting dentures which look good and allow users to find a new confidence in their smile, eat the foods they love and feel so much

Sev Puri was very substantial, with six flavoursome pastry balls that were packed full to the brim with cool yogurt and piquant condiments.

Four words encapsulate Hari’s Street Food – “luscious no frills eating”. And that should be at the forefront of your mind when you enter the establishment. This pure vegetarian eatery is a small, modestly furnished space, more of a café which aims to nurture a “pop-up” vibe. We were the only diners there, and what this place lacks in ambience more than makes up for in mindblowing, stunningly delicious food which doesn’t break the bank.

And an added bonus is that they serve Costa coffee. Having been open a mere few months, Hari’s Street Food remains something of a hidden gem. The food speaks volumes and I envisage queues out of the door forming before too long. We had three dishes, two coffees and a bottled water, which came to a very reasonable £11. For Indian street food that packs a punch, get down to Hari’s, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Star Rating 1-10 (1: “I’d rather eat my own shoe, I hated it that much” – 10: “I’d pillage for a meal here”.)

Food: 10 Value for money: 10 Ambience: 10 Rate or Slate? Rate.

3 dishes plus drinks (2 Costa coffees + 1 bottled water): £11.00.

Address: 118 Pear Tree Road, Nr Normanton Road, Derby DE23 6QA Tel: 0784 684 7759.

Ria Amber Tesia - Food Correspondent

Dentures

better about themselves.

All types of dentures are supplied directly to the public and the aim is always to recreate the person’s natural smile using state of the art technology with proven dental techniques in welcoming and relaxing denture clinics.

Business partners Richard Hazzledine and Jamie Wright have 50 years of experience between them and are two of only around 290 fully-qualified clinical dental technicians in the UK. The “clinical” in the title means that they can take impressions and perform all the procedures necessary to assess and fit dentures from start to finish.

All clients get a warm welcome and at Beautiful Dentures everything is done to ensure that treatment is a pain-free and

calming experience for all.

Complete dentures can be fitted to replace all of your missing teeth or partial sets where only some teeth are missing.

Broken dentures can be repaired and old sets can be copied with modern, new ones. In addition existing dentures can be relined or stabilised using dental implants.

No matter what your requirements, the highly experienced team will ensure that you get the best possible advice and best possible dentures to meet your exact requirements.

For further information check out the Beautiful Dentures website http://www.beautifuldentures. co.uk

Moonhare ATS® Tribal Bellydance – based at Edmund Hall, Spondon, Derbyshire Bringing FatChance Bellydance®, American Tribal Style Belly Dance® to Derby.

The first part of the course covering the basics of ATS® has been completed with the lovely ladies of Moonhare ATS® Tribal and there has been much laughter, aching muscles and dancing. The second part of the basics course is underway and over the next few weeks we will also be looking at costuming, hair and jewellery, a VERY important part of any art form. The ethnic look of ATS® is achieved by layering: a) two gypsy style skirts over voluminous pantaloons, b) heavily decorated bra top over a choli (short sleeved cropped t-shirts with open backs), c) highly decorated belts with pompoms, tassels and Kuchi dangles d) long fringed, decorated hip scarves and of course BLING!! Lots and lots of ethnic jewellery, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, toe rings, ankle bracelets, hair sticks, flowers and bindis. A tribal bellydancer NEVER has enough jewellery. It has been said that dancing in full tribal jewellery is like dancing with wrist weights, a full workout for the arms to combat those “bingo wings”!

If you would like to come along and learn something different, have fun, get fit, and have an excellent excuse to buy a new wardrobe, then call Sandra on 07539 930131 or check out the website http://moonhareatstribal.vpweb.co.uk for more information.

We look forward to meeting and dancing with you!

Education

Page 32. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

Derby is top UK university in Euro contest

Three students at the Buxton campus of the University of Derby beat all other UK entrants in a competition to find the most daring young entrepreneurs in Europe.

Their team, called Hotspa Derby, came in the top ten of the European Mise en Place Cup (EMCup) at Maastricht against competition from the continent’s top hotel schools.

And they were placed above all the other UK university teams, even though it was the first time Derby had entered the competition, which is designed to encourage hotel management students to “dare to stand out from the crowd through entrepreneurship and commitment”.

Hospitality Management student Andy Heyes, Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts student Wiktor Witan, and Leila Fiastru, who

is studying Spa Management, joined forces to present their ideas on the competition’s theme of Wellness and Wealth.

Using the slogan “The Greatest Wealth is Health”, Andy, Wiktor and Leila outlined their ideas on the little investments in time which boost wellbeing – and could even extend your life.

Andy, whose team came eighth place said: “We are all very proud to represent the University and hope we brought lots of fun, energetic and enthusiastic ideas to the competition.”

Feedback from the judging panel revealed that the Derby students’ entry had been an “excellent achievement...your students were competing against all the top European hotel schools and were judged by key employers.”

University of Derby at the cutting edge of new sound environments

Webs Training Kieran Bishop Apprentice Cabinet Maker

Webs Training Limited has been one of the regions leading training providers delivering quality furniture manufacturing training for nearly 50 years. As a quality provider of apprenticeship and work based training, we work with local,

Nottingham lad Kieran Bishop is less than five months in to his training as an apprentice cabinet maker and he is picking up new skills every day.

Kieran, 16, works for Sherwoods of Nottingham in Bulwell and makes components for the high-end kitchen furniture produced by the company.

In fact he knew he wanted to get a job with Sherwoods while he was still at school and did all in his power to make it happen.

Kieran said: “Woodwork was my favourite subject at school and I would have done it every day if I could.

“I was really pleased when I was able to do two week’s of work experience at Sherwoods while still at school and just from those two weeks I knew that it was where I wanted to work.

“I even arranged to go back for more work experience while on the school holidays as I wanted to make a good impression because I knew I would be applying here for my apprenticeship.”

His dedication paid off and Kieran really loves his job, including the one day a week he gets to spend at Webs Training as part of his apprenticeship.

The University of Derby will be the first university in the UK to have a Wave1 processor installed.

Swiss-based company Sonic Emotion are to the supply the University with a Wave1 processor on loan. The processor will be used for teaching and academic research by Music and Performing Arts students and staff.

Sonic Emotion specialise in several fields related to 3D sound for professional applications, including hardware/software for real time/low latency and interactive sound rendering.

Following the success of their Wave1 3D in Europe and Northern America, Sonic Emotion are looking to grow their market share in the UK, using the University of Derby as their first demonstration facility.

John Crossley is Head of both the MA Music Production and BSc Music Technology with Production at the university. He said of the project: “3D sound is something we take very seriously here at the University of Derby. We are pleased to be forging strong links with such a state of the art company. Our staff and students can’t wait to get their hands on the kit.”

Dr Richard Hodges, Deputy Head of Performing

Arts, added: “We are delighted that this relationship with Sonic Emotion offers our students the opportunity to be at the forefront of development in 3D sound.”

Dr Etienne Corteel, Chief Science Officer at Sonic Emotion, commented: “We, at Sonic Emotion are most happy that the students of the University of Derby will experience the Wave1 technology for 3D sound mixing, spatial sound reinforcement and interactive installations. We look forward to hearing about their creations and receiving feedback.”

Prospective students and local secondary schools will be able to see a demonstration of the Wave1 processor at the University’s Music Production Show and Music Industry Day, on Tuesday 3 March 2015, at its Markeaton Street site. The processor will also be available for viewing on University Open Days throughout 2015 on: • • • • • •

Saturday 28 February Saturday 6 June Friday 19 June Saturday 26 September Saturday 17 October Saturday 21 November

Webs furniture training

At Webs he undertakes practical work in an environment away from the workplace, gets to prepare technical drawings and takes part in classroom work and learn health and safety rules relevant to his job.

He said the staff were always friendly and approachable and that they know exactly how to encourage people to learn new skills.

Kieran added: “I look forward to coming to Webs every Monday because what I learn here is important to my job.

“I want to improve all the time and do really well and I get on well with everyone here.”

He says he also has a laugh with his colleagues at work and is happy that he has chosen the right job.

Kieran went on: “I know a lot of people would never consider what I do and are much more at home in an office job.

“I think I would die of boredom if I had to sit behind a desk all day long. I have always been a practical person and I love working with my hands.”

At Sherwoods of Nottingham Kieran works on a machine which uses Computer Aided Design software (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) to cut and shape the material.

This means that components such as shelves and

regional and national employers to secure apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 16-23. As employees, apprentices earn a wage from day one and work along-side experienced staff to gain job specific skills.

With our new purpose built, state of the art workshops and classrooms and dedicated staff, we aim to support our learners to fulfil their full potential.

All apprentices are funded by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and there is no charge to the apprentice for the course.

For employers with up to 1000 employees, and looking to recruit a 16-23 year old, you may qualify for a Government grant of £1500* (*conditions apply).

For young people aged 16-18 who are not quite ready to go into an apprenticeship, we offer the Ambitions Study Programme which will help to prepare young people for the world of work.

The programme will provide learners with an opportunity to develop work related skills in the furniture industry, whilst working towards nationally recognised qualifications. The course runs over 3 days a week for 30 weeks and is supported by the Education Funding Agency (EFA)

WEBS Training Ltd The Poplars Wollaton Rd Beeston Nottingham. NG9 2PD Email: info@webstraining.com Telephone: 0115 9677771 Fax: 0115 9677772 backboards can be cut quickly and efficiently whilst minimising the amount of raw material that is lost though waste in the cutting process.

Kieran said he would have no hesitation in recommending an apprenticeship like he is doing to other people of his age.

As well as the cabinet making course that Kieran is on, Webs Training help apprentices get qualifications in a wide range of disciplines including upholstery, wood machining, frame making, polishing, restoration and component manufacturing.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 33.

Top University of Derby road repair student to be awarded by Nynas Bitumen prize

Nynas UK AB bitumen specialist is giving University of Derby students taking the Diploma in Road Surface Treatments the opportunity to be awarded the Nynas Bitumen prize for ‘Best Student’ in 2014/15.

The winning Diploma student will receive a £250 cash prize and be presented with a certificate by Nynas.

Derby’s Road Surface Treatments Diploma, which launched in 2014, is designed to give highway engineers the skills they need at a time when demand for better road surfaces and pavements is high.

The online, distance-learning course has been developed jointly by the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) and the Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT), to reflect best practice in the industry.

This is the first university level academic qualification for the road surface treatments industry and is delivered by professionals to give students a

detailed knowledge of road surfacing in what is a complex area of construction.

Brent Wilson, Nynas UK AB Bitumen Marcoms, said: “Nynas has been a long-term supporter of the courses offered by the University of Derby and we are thrilled to be able to recognise the efforts of students on the RSTA Diploma.

“We’re pleased to support the course development; it equips highway engineers with the required skills to enter the highway maintenance sector skills.”

Talking about the course and prize, Programme Leader, Dr Tony Stock, added: “The University has developed a close relationship with both the RSTA and IAT to create this course; the first higher education qualification for road surface treatments.

The Nynas Bitumen prize for ‘Best Student’ is a chance for those students who wish to set themselves apart from the rest of the industry.”

For more information about the Road Surface Treatments Diploma, please visit:

Page 34. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Business www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

Small businesses across the Midlands urged to act now and get ready for new pension duties More than 180,000 small businesses across the Midlands are to receive a letter from The Pensions Regulator urging them to prepare for new pension duties.

As part of a major new awareness campaign, the regulator is writing to every small employer across the Midlands to tell them the date their automatic enrolment legal duties come into effect – this is called the staging date. All employers have a staging date that is specific to them. The law also applies to all employers including those with one worker.

The mail out will also ask small business owners to supply email contact details to the regulator so it can

provide them with regular reminders and updates as their individual staging date approaches. The letters will be sent in the next few months.

Last year, The Pensions Regulator, which is responsible for ensuring employers comply with their automatic enrolment duties, announced that five million workers had been automatically enrolled into a pension scheme by nearly 43,000 employers.

In the coming months and years, around 4 million more workers will be enrolled by small employers across the UK. Small employers are those with fewer than 50 workers – including those with one worker, for example a personal assistant.

The UK-wide letter campaign is to ensure that all small employers, including those with just one worker know that the law applies to them – even if their staging date is not for some time.

The Pension Regulator’s executive director of automatic enrolment, Charles Counsell said: “The letter now being sent nationwide is to ensure all small businesses know they will need to comply with the law and enrol their staff into a pension scheme.

“Research shows that the majority of employers think that automatic enrolment is a good idea so we know the majority will want to comply. Smaller businesses may be more likely to leave things to the

last minute but doing this risks financial penalty.

“I am urging business owners in across the Midlands to look out for the letter, visit the regulator’s website and prepare for what they will need to do and when.”

Once employers know their staging date, they can then use a handy time line planner tool on the regulator’s website, which has been updated to make it easier for email employers to use.

For information visit; www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/automaticenrolment

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 35.

TOP FIVE TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE EAST MIDLANDS PREPARING FOR AUTO ENROLMENT From 1 March this year, businesses with fewer than 58 employees will start having to comply with the new auto enrolment pensions legislation and by 1 June, those with fewer than 30 staff will be captured by the legislation.

In total more than 46,000 companies across the UK will have to begin providing their employees with a workplace pension this year, while next year, 512,000 will be affected.

What is auto enrolment?

unnecessary stress. The simple truth is the longer businesses allow themselves to implement the changes, the easier the process will be.

2. Don’t make any assumptions Companies planning to rely on their existing provider for auto enrolment should speak to them early on to ensure that the scheme qualifies for auto enrolment and to confirm that they are willing to extend it to all employees on the same terms.

3. Seek help

Auto enrolment is the UK’s new workplace pensions initiative. Designed to get a larger proportion of the population saving for retirement, the policy makes it a legal requirement for all employers to automatically enrol any employee who meets the below requirements into a workplace pension and makes contributions to that pension: - is between the age of 22 and State Pension Age (65) - earns more than £10,000 a year*.

How much will it cost?

The minimum employer contributions are 1% of each employees’ qualifying earnings, increasing to 3% over time. Employees will also contribute with a minimum of 1% of their qualifying earnings,

For small firms introducing a workplace pension for the first time, it would be worth seeking guidance from an adviser who can help identify a value for money scheme that is suited to the workforce.

While selecting an appropriate scheme is imperative, payroll providers also have a very important role to play. Companies with outsourced payroll arrangements should contact their payroll provider as soon as possible to find out what auto enrolment support they offer and which pension providers they work with. By selecting a pension provider that is already integrated with their payroll provider, firms can avoid unnecessary hassle and expense. So making enquiries early on is time well spent.

Auto enrolment minimum contributions based on qualifying earnings Employer minimum contribution

Total minimum contribution

Until 30 September 2017

1%

2%

1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018

2%

5%

1 October 2018 onwards

3%

8%

Date

increasing to 5% over time. See table below: Morten Nilsson, CEO of NOW: Pensions said: “Last year, of the 4,279 companies that signed up with us, nearly one in five completed their application either very close to their staging date or after the deadline had passed. While we’re happy to accept companies that leave it late we strongly recommend that employers make their provider selection as early as possible to avoid unnecessary stress.

“Approaching auto enrolment can feel daunting and there are a lot of things to consider, particularly for firms that have never set up a pension scheme before. But a little planning can go a long way and taking a thorough approach will certainly pay dividends.”

Top five tips 1. A little planning goes a long way For small businesses faced with the prospect of tackling auto enrolment, planning ahead shouldn’t be underestimated. The Pensions Regulator recommends firms begin their planning 18 months in advance of their staging date but it seems their pleas are largely falling on deaf ears.

Research NOW: Pensions conducted with 450 small and medium sized companies** revealed that 44% haven’t given any thought to how they’ll go about finding a provider for auto enrolment while over a fifth intend to rely on their existing provider.

Leaving auto enrolment to the last minute will inevitably result in more limited provider choice, increased administrative pressure and

“Last year, of the 4,279 companies that signed up with us, nearly one in five completed their application either very close to their staging date or after the deadline had passed.”

4. Cleanse your data One of the biggest stumbling blocks in the auto enrolment process is inaccurate or incomplete payroll data. Taking the time to ensure that payroll data is complete and entirely up to date, will help avoid problems during the implementation process and beyond. Where possible, companies should try and obtain e-mail addresses for all staff as issuing communications about auto enrolment via email is often cheaper and more efficient than post.

5. Give thought to contributing more than the minimum Nearly one in five small and medium sized companies we surveyed say they plan to contribute more than the legislative minimum when they introduce auto enrolment.

More than half of those planning to pay more in believe doing so will help with the recruitment and retention of employees. This approach makes sense as high levels of staff turnover can act as a hidden drain on an employer’s profitability.

Auto enrolment is a legal obligation and at the end of January, The Pensions Regulator issued 166 businesses with fixed penalties of £400 for noncompliance.

Integritas Financial Planners based in Swadlincote is owned and led by Mark Johnson a Chartered Financial Planner. Over the coming six months Mark will be looking at changes in pension legislation under “Pension Freedom”.

From 6th April 2015, there will be a number of radical changes to pension legislation effecting how pension benefits can be taken, taxed, treated on death and future contributions.

Most pension investors age 55 or over will have total freedom over how they take an income or a lump sum from their pension.

They can choose to: •

Take the whole fund as cash in one go – 25% tax free and 75% taxed as income; • Take smaller lump sums, as and when they like with 25% of each withdrawal tax free and 75% taxed as income; • Take up to 25% tax free and a regular income from the remainder (via income drawdown – directly from the pension fund, or an annuity – a secure income for life) Whilst the government has made it easier and at times more tax efficient to access pension benefits, it should be remembered that this doesn’t automatically guarantee that it will be advisable to do so.

For more information you can contact Integritas at enquiries@integritasfp.co.uk or on 01283 777014 Integritas Financial Planners Ltd is an appointed representative of Financial Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

15,000 East Midlands residents take aim at City tax-dodgers Investigation exposes ‘Mayfair tax loophole’ that costs UK up to £700 million a year 15,000 members of campaign group 38 Degrees in the East Midlands are backing a campaign to close a tax loophole used by private equity bosses to avoid millions of pounds in tax each year.

The 38 Degrees investigation, released today, reveals that private equity bosses are using a government-backed tax loophole to avoid up to £700 million in tax a year.

The report finds that a deal brokered between HMRC and industry lobbyists allows multimillionaire fund managers to pay tax on much of their income at 28%, with some able to pay a tax rate of just 10%. This gives them a lower overall tax rate than many nurses and teachers.

The research, funded by donations from over 5,900 38 Degrees members, uses figures on fund managers’ income surveys to estimate that the ‘Mayfair loophole’ costs the exchequer up to £700m in lost tax each year.

The investigation uncovers millions of pounds worth of party political donations from private equity bosses to the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour. Since 2008, donors from the private equity industry have handed £7.19 million to the Conservative and Liberal Democrat

parties, while the industry’s lobby group, the BVCA, is the second-largest funder of Labour group Progress.

More than 1 in 6 of the Conservative donors to have attended David Cameron’s ‘donor dinners’ in 2014 were private equity bosses.

38 Degrees campaigners in the East Midlands are calling on Chancellor George Osborne to announce the closure of the Mayfair loophole in his March Budget. The government’s 2015 Finance Bill currently protects the Mayfair loophole for private equity managers, despite containing other anti-avoidance measures.

38 Degrees executive director David Babbs said: “This Mayfair tax loophole is governmentsponsored tax avoidance on a breathtaking scale.

“Money which should be funding the NHS is going to millionaire fund managers instead.

The rest of us pay in our fair share to keep the country going: why should millionaire financiers be treated differently?

“In his last Budget before the election, George Osborne wants to convince the country that he’s on the side of hardworking families on average incomes. If he wants us to take him seriously, he’s got to close the Mayfair tax loophole.”

Page 36. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

01782 557800 emily@jacobs-pensions.co.uk www.jacobs-pensions.co.uk

Are you an employer and worried about the £500 per day fine if you do not comply with the new workplace pension regulations? As group pension expects we can ensure you have a compliant workplace pension scheme in place before your deadline and avoid these hefty fines.

How can we help: • Identify your staging date • Assess any existing schemes • Provide advice and recommend the most suitable pension scheme • Provide a recommendation report with regards to the chosen scheme • Assess the category for each worker • Provide the regulatory communications required for each type of worker • Aid in setting up the chosen pension scheme • Assist with the scheme returns to the pension scheme • Aid with the completion of the return to the pensions regulator following auto-enrolment

Over half of adults in the East Midlands say lack of funding stops great business ideas in their tracks Virgin StartUp launches national competition to win mentoring session with Sir Richard Branson New research released today by Virgin StartUp shows that over a quarter of adults (27%) in the East Midlands say they have thought of a great idea for a business, yet over half (53%) say a lack of funding stops them making their idea a reality (1). The findings were revealed by Virgin StartUp, the not-for-profit organisation, which gives budding entrepreneurs the funding, information and support they need to get their business ideas off the ground.

The survey revealed a number of hurdles wouldbe entrepreneurs in the East Midlands face when trying to make a business idea a reality: •

•

• Contact at any point during the process through telephone, email or meetings •

Richard Jacobs Pension & Trustee Services is proud to be a family business involved in group pensions for over 22 years. Emily Jacobs specialises in all aspects of group pensions and auto-enrolment. We are fully Independent therefore able to provide impartial advice.

Emily Jacobs

About Us Here at Richard Jacobs we have the services to help you achieve those allimportant needs.

We are a small family business n a t i o n a l l y recognised with over 30 years’ experience.

Staff continually receive ongoing training to be able to offer our clients the best advice and service available.

We specialise in pensions and investments and believe there is no situation too large or too small, simple or complicated, where we cannot provide straightforward help and advice.

Richard is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute by examination and a Chartered Insurance Practitioner, receiving his Diploma on the 3 September 1979 having joined the industry in 1971. Richard is recognised by the Financial Services Authority as a registered individual under the reference RDJ00004, confirmation of

this status can be found via the FSA’s website. www.fsa.gov.uk.

Richard holds the Chartered I n s u r a n c e I n s t i t u t e s Statement of Professional S t a n d i n g being the new requirement for all Financial Advisors having c o m p l e t e d the Chartered I n s u r a n c e I n s t i t u t e examination G60 as well as the Diploma in Financial Planning allowing the firm to operate in the pension transfer market. Richard has several papers published in specialist trade periodicals and continues to be quoted by the leading weekly financial services newspaper. Richard has had articles printed in both national (Telegraph and Times) and local (Sentinel) newspapers. He has broadcast on both local radio (BBC Stoke) and national Radio 4 (Moneybox live), and has also acted as an expert witness on pensions since before 1992. Richard is a Resolution accredited Divorce Specialist fully experienced and practiced in the areas of the collaborative and mediation divorce report process. Richard is both a member of The North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International.

Emily joined the family business in August 2007

Almost a quarter (23%) said they would be too embarrassed to share a business idea in case someone thinks it’s stupid.

Over one in four (26%) felt sharing a business idea would be a waste of time as they would never follow it through.

Almost a third of workers (30%) agreed that their workplace fails to encourage them to share ideas outside of their usual role.

Virgin StartUp is now urging would-be business owners to contact them and find out how they can overcome these hurdles and get access to funding and support.

Over the past year, the organisation, one of the official delivery partners of the Start-up Loans Company backed by the UK government, has

after pursuing a successful career in Catering Management. Emily is a Director of the Company and has achieved both her Certificate and Diploma in Financial Planning. Emily is recognised by the Financial Services Authority as a registered individual under the reference EJJ01017, confirmation of this status can be found via the FSA’s website. www.fsa.gov.uk. Emily holds the Chartered Insurance Institutes Statements of Professional Standing being the new requirement for all Financial Advisors. Emily is currently working towards her Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning in the move to achieve chartered status.

Emily specialises in group scheme pensions, protection and saving for retirement. Emily is a member of Future Finest, a young professional organisation within the North Staffs Chamber of Commerce.

Emily is also the coordinator for her local Business for Breakfast Networking group and is one of the f o u n d i n g members of the new Six Towns’ Rotary Club.

Kate joined the company in April 2000.

She previously worked for Waterford Wedgwood

awarded £3.4 million in start-up loans to 417 businesses. Almost a third of those businesses (32%) are already making a profit and almost two-thirds (63%) are expecting to see steady growth (2). The benefits of Small and Medium Businesses are clear - they are currently estimated to be worth £378bn to UK plc (3).

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, said: “A lack of funding shouldn’t hold brilliant entrepreneurs back. It’s concerning that people don’t feel able to get their business ideas off the ground when there’s so much support available to them. Launching your own business is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things you can do. I would urge people to take the next step and speak to the Virgin StartUp team, you never know where it may lead you.”

The results were announced as Virgin StartUp launched a nationwide competition for would-be business owners to win a mentoring session with Sir Richard Branson. The #mentormebranson competition is an opportunity to learn how to make great business ideas a success.

To find out more about the work of Virgin StartUp and to enter the competition to win a mentoring session with Sir Richard Branson visit virginstartup.org.

for nine years, working her way up to the position of Personal Assistant to the Finance D i r e c t o r and Office Manager.

Kate has successfully completed her FPC 1, Pension Administration Certificate and Pension Simplification Exams. Kate is now a para planner therefore able to deal with more technical administration matters.

Kate is now a para planner therefore able to deal with more technical administration matters. Kate specialises in self invested personal pensions and property purchase within pensions and covers all areas of protection and is also responsible for the smooth running of the company.

Olivia joined us in April 2012, and has achieved NVQ L2 and NVQ L3 in Business and Administration.

Olivia specialises in the administration and production of divorce reports working closely with Richard Jacobs and providing administration support to Kate. Olivia also deals with annuity purchase administration.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 37.

The Productivity Challenge Are you the owner or Director of a business?

Is improving the productivity of your people and assets one of your top priorities?

Should it be?

What are the facts?

In all regions, apart from London and the South East, productivity has not recovered to pre-2008 crash levels. The slowest regions to recover are

the East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Why should this be? The ONS believes that is partly because our area has a higher proportion of manufacturing than other regions.

Productivity across the country had been on a steadily rising trend for many years up to the crash.

Faced by the drastically changed market conditions,

ONS 2013 many employers and employees approached the challenge in a more intelligent way than previous downturns. Instead of wholesale redundancy, many companies agreed innovative ways to keep workforces together.

What is the situation in your business, whether manufacturing or a service industry?

Have you improved your productivity?

If so, that is great. What have you done to achieve that?

ONS 2013 Causes of lower productivity If you have not been able to raise your productivity, has the demand for your product or service not recovered, or are other factors contributing?

What have you tried to do to improve matters?

• Do you maintain the machinery and processes you use well and keep them up to date? If your sales and profits are not improving it is easy to get into a vicious circle. Lack of money leads to reduced confidence and the ability tospend or raise the money. Does seem familiar?

• Have you invested in the training and development of your people? If you have not, what effect do you think this could have on their morale and ability to contribute?

• Do you congratulate them when they do well?

•

•

•

Do you address poor performance in a timely and measured way?

How often do you talk directly to your people?

Do you keep them up to date with how the business is doing and explain their part in beating your targets? workforces often feel they are only told the bad news and then only as a ploy. Do you ask them how they feel and seek their feedback and ideas?

Do you have any of these warning signs?

High absence, is a major contributor to poor productivity and is often the consequence of poor morale. The national average (ONS figure) is 4.4%. What is yours? What would be the financial benefit of reducing absence by 1%?

Do you also measure your labour turnover?

The true cost of labour turnover can be very high. You lose the output of the departed employee. Also the flow of work to and from the departed employee is disrupted. What would be the financial benefit of reducing Labour turnover by 1%?

How can you improve productivity?

Investing in more productive machines and processes can have a dramatic effect. Given the market and survival challenges, for many companies, spending a lot of money is out of the question. There are no easy answers.

It is often not necessary to spend lots of money to start an improving productivity trend. Any improvement in productivity will drop straight through to your profits and raise everyone’s confidence, not least your own. How would that make you and your

team feel?

So what can you do, without spending heavily?

The typical company has processes and ways of working, which have not been reviewed for some time. In consequence it is highly likely that your people, could easily tell you the things which hamper them, if you ask them. Often they will have good ideas on how to improve things, if you involve them and listen to them. A collaborative approach works well in any situation.

There are plenty of ways of creating the right attitudes throughout a business to make a breakthrough. Engaging your employees should be at the heart of your productivity drive. It can be done by yourselves or with some experienced facilitation.

Quentin Kopp www.aqkchangemanagement.com

Page 38. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Why is there a need for Employers and Careers Professionals to work together with Education?

Email: james-colson@hotmail.com Mobile: 07970 109367 When meeting with clients to discuss and implement their wishes for the future it never ceases to surprise me how little is generally known about a vitally important document that can prove itself to be paramount to the smooth running of someone’s affairs. I am not talking about a will either but a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Most people are familiar with diseases such as Alzheimers, Dementia, & Parkinsons but the truth is there are many other awful conditions which can render someone incapable of managing their financial affairs or making choices about their health care which leads onto the question ‘What happens then?’

Most people assume their spouse, children or other close member of their family would automatically take over but they are quite wrong in this assumption. Unless you have given authority to someone to act for you, prior to becoming incapacitated, it would be a matter for the court to decide who

will look after your affairs. This means that someone completely different to the person you imagined, could end up in charge! If this scenario isn’t bad enough it may also take considerable time for a deputy (a court appointed person) to be authorised to act and be very expensive.

OK that’s the worst bit over! Planning for the effects of incapacity should be on everyone’s agenda. Drafting a Lasting Power of Attorney is so straightforward and allows you to choose who you want to act for you without the need to involve any of the court process. I like to think of it as a ‘just in case’ document which may not be needed but becomes absolutely invaluable when required. Please contact me if you would like some further information and advice on this subject or any other estate planning topic including wills and trusts.

Both learning and work are changing rapidly - this has significant implications for students leaving education and their individual career paths. Young people leaving school today face an uncertain future where they are likely to experience several job changes, and a need to continually update their skills and knowledge, possibly even managing 2 part-time jobs or short term temporary contracts. Greater flexibility, self-management, enterprise and career management skills are being demanded of young people entering the job market.

Young people require good quality careers education and advice in order to make informed choices and navigate their way successfully through their working lives. The earlier this guidance can be accessed the better so that teenagers can

Email: james-colson@hotmail.com

be inspired by future possibilities and have time to obtain the skills and qualifications they need.

Recent changes to government legislation mean that schools no longer have to provide careers education, the national connexions service was dismantled and the new National Careers Service (online service only for young people under 18) was created. This falls short of the help and support most young people need.

Businesses have an important role to play in partnering with schools to raise ambition and achievement and improve performance, and together with qualified career guidance professionals, can help schools to bridge the gap between education and work. Schools don’t have the knowledge or expertise to do it by themselves.

We at Ideas4Careers understand this. Our career guidance and employability skills programmes are tailored to meet the specific needs of the schools and colleges we work with. Business leaders support our programmes in the classroom which adds real value to the learning experienced by students. It’s been a huge success – want to find out more?

Contact us on 07717 360 114 or www.ideas4careers.co.uk Why not join us in Nottingham at our Annual Spring Conference for Schools on Careers and Employability on 29th April?

Mobile: 07970 109367

Small businesses in the Midlands bear £2bn Hidden Tax Burden The UK tax system is costing small businesses in the Midlands up to £2bn in hidden costs a year, according to new research from AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians). AAT’s research showed that: • •

•

•

74% of SMEs surveyed in the Midlands think that the UK tax system is too complicated.

On average each of the 508,000 SMEs in the Midlands incurs £3,914 in tax compliance costs.

AAT members and the businesses surveyed agree that the number one effect of the complicated UK tax system is that it makes life harder for small businesses to grow due to them having fewer resources to deal with ensuring they’re compliant.

AAT members felt that the tax areas in need of simplification most are, in order: tax relief, capital gains, VAT, corporation tax and income tax.

In the wake of these findings AAT has the following recommendations for simplifying the UK tax system to help stimulate SME growth, which is crucial to Britain’s economic future: •

• •

Combine income tax and national insurance, making it simpler for businesses and individuals to understand their tax affairs Streamline tax bands and thresholds HMRC to provide clearer information with

signposting to make it easier to navigate for business and individual customers Make rules clearer by reducing the number of reliefs and rules; consistency would make it easier and less open to exploitation

in meeting their tax compliance obligations. The impact on the economic cost is also larger due to • SMEs compromising the majority of businesses in the Midlands.

74% of SMEs surveyed in the Midlands stated that the UK tax system is too complicated. This finding AAT researched the views of businesses to discover was echoed in a study AAT carried out amongst the cost of tax compliance for UK business. It found its members, who work in accounting and finance. that in total, SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) Eight out of ten of these experts in navigating the across the whole of the UK currently spend UK tax system stated that they also thought the approximately £9.9bn each year on tax compliance, system is too complicated. compared to larger firms which pay a total of £100m. Both AAT members and the businesses surveyed Businesses in the Midlands made up £2bn of that agreed that the number one effect of the UK tax total amount. system on SMEs is that it makes life harder for On average each of the 508,000 SMEs in the small businesses to grow due to them having fewer Midlands incurs £3,914 in tax compliance costs. resources to deal with the burden.

The UK’s 9,000 plus large businesses each pay Businesses’ view of the additional consequences of £8,907 on average. However, whilst the average the current tax system are that it creates an uneven tax burden for SMEs is lower, the vast majority playing field between larger and smaller enterprises of these enterprises have no more than four and it also makes it harder for SMEs to compete employees compared to the 250+ employees found in the global market place. AAT members felt that in large businesses. This means that despite a lower the additional effects of a complex tax system headline cost proportionately the impact is much are a detrimental impact on microbusinesses higher on SMEs. and a contribution to the growing existence of tax The average SME in the Midlands spends just over avoidance schemes seeking to exploit loopholes in four hours per week compared to the six hours of an existing legislation. average large business. Whilst the SME total is less, Furthermore the tax-compliance burden on SMEs the cost to the business itself, is proportionately also affects the Midland’s economic growth. Over a higher due to their lower employee head count. This third of SMEs (36%) believed that the money they highlights how, with their limited resources, SMEs spent on tax compliance would be better spent on in the region bear a higher proportion of the burden

increased sales and marketing to help grow their business, and 12% said that they would hire new staff, which would help the Prime Minister to come ever closer to achieving his full employment target.

Mark Farrar, AAT, Chief Executive, said: “SMEs are the backbone of British businesses but some are being weakened by a hidden tax burden. It is a strong indicator of just how hard dealing with tax can be when 80% of AAT members, experts at navigating through the intricacies of tax compliance, state that the UK tax system is too complicated.

Making the tax system simpler could help to lift this extraordinary weight, diminishing the costs that SMEs face. This would give SMEs the space they need to invest in growing their business and hiring more staff – a vital component for the UK’s economic recovery.”

Brian Palmer, AAT Tax Policy Advisor said: “All political parties have identified small businesses as key to fuelling the UK’s economic growth. However, the tax system needs to be straightforward to make this possible. A simpler system would allow more people to file their own returns, taking control of their own tax planning and diminish the significant cost some, particularly micro and small businesses, encounter. It would also limit the various different interpretations that can lead to loophole tax evasion schemes. This will enable the UK to take the lead in having a simpler and more business-friendly tax system.”

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 39.

Pendersons are industry leaders for training, assessment and consultancy. With over 25 years experience in providing specialist and dedicated services to our customers within the rail industry, we are proud to announce that we have introduced several new apprenticeships.

Consultancy Want to send out a tender for a new life safety system? For instance a new fire alarm, we can create a tender document which will ensure you get the most cost effective system that’s right for your circumstances and you won’t spend thousands on a complex fire system you may not need.

Synergy Fire Engineering Specialise in providing fire safety advice and fire safety training across England and Wales. We are independent of any life safety business and have over twenty years’ experience in the fire industry.

We pride ourselves in delivering a bespoke service tailored to your needs.

Fire Training Fire safety is a fundamental part of any business and training is the corner stone of implementing any fire safety policy. legislation requires employers to provide training for all employees in actions to be taken in the event of a fire. This training can range from basic fire safety awareness, to the practical use of fire extinguishers and the management of a fire situation with fire warden training. Our Fire Warden Training course will give your staff an understanding of fire legislation along with the specific duties of a Fire warden greater awareness of the hazards presented by a fire, and increase their knowledge in practical fire safety measures along with a real life practical demonstration of fire fighting using fire extinguishers.

At Pendersons we strongly believe in “going the extra mile” for all of our clientele through consultation to identify your training and development requirements. We also believe the proven way to get the skills, knowledge and employees you want is through a Pendersons apprenticeship programme. Our apprenticeships are flexible and relevant to your business and the most effective way to up-skill your workforce.

Pendersons work with you and your staff to develop tailored apprenticeship programmes to move your business forward.

aimed at learners working within a team leading role. It forms the knowledge and competency requirements of the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Team Leading. It can also be used on a standalone basis.

Customer Service ~ designed for learners who deal with customers on a daily basis as part of their job role and wish to improve their knowledge and skills.

Business Administration ~ aimed at learners working within a business and administration role who wish to improve their knowledge and skills in a variety of work environments and sectors.

All apprenticeships delivered by Pendersons are fully funded subject to eligibility. We are expert at helping you to find the best candidates for your apprenticeship vacancies. Not only do we deliver We now offer Apprenticeships in the following: real results, we deliver the results your business is looking for by helping you recruit and train the Warehousing and Distribution ~ covers the workforce of tomorrow. movement and storage of goods, and is an Contact us today to discover how we can transform essential part of logistics operations. your workforce. Call 01538 756596 or email Team Leading ~ an accredited qualification sales@pendersons.com

Call now on 0843 658 1310 or email info@synergyfireengineering.co.uk

Fire Risk Assessment Our pragmatic and holistic approach to fire risk assessment ensure that you get not only advice on what you have to do to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, but advice on the most cost effective way of implementing the action plan. We can carry out these on all size of business’s, from offices, warehouses and HMO’s to large hotels and government buildings.

Spinning Plates Running a small business is like spinning plates – the more you spin the harder it gets.

When performed on stage, the audience sees all the plates clearly and can guide the spinner to which poles need agitating.

During rehearsals, the spinner might successfully have 20 plates spinning but never achieve 21.

If translated to a business scenario, where the owner/ manager of an SME is the platespinner, the audience could be described as a business coach, encouraging him or her to spin more plates and identifying those most likely to fall.

A business coach is an

outsider, someone not directly involved in the business but who can look at each part and make sure it is spinning properly.

Business coaching takes many forms but is ultimately an extra pair of eyes and ears which can spot opportunities and dead ends while the owner/manager copes with the daily chores of running the business.

Some coaches offer personal support and feedback, others combine practical and structured planning with disciplined accountability.

Whichever approach is adopted, business coaching is as much about driving profit as it is about mentoring and developing the person.

East Midlands Chamber last year secured European Regional Development Funding to provide

business coaching in Derby.

“Called Coaching for Success, the programme seeks to support businesses in the city to help them improve their performance and create new jobs,” said a spokesman.

Routes to growth include information and advice, oneto-one in-company coaching, free growth masterclasses and business surgeries.

Funding for between 50 and 75 per cent of the cost - up to £1,500 - of specific one-toone counselling from qualified business growth coaches is available through the scheme.

“The coaching can cover everything from marketing and web design to financial matters or human resource issues.

SLATING - TILING - FLAT ROOFS Leadwork, Repointing, Storm Damage

FASCIA, DRY VERGE SYSTEMS, SKYLIGHTS, Fibreglass, Felt, Rubber

Peak Roofing Chesterfield - Domestic and Commercial Mobile: 01246 802232 Telephone: 01623 334454 Mobile: 07707546674 WWW.PEAKROOFS.CO.UK

Page 40. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derby Skillbuild is a charitable training provider that focuses on supporting young people in the local community to develop their full potential. Training facilities are based on a 12 acre site situated in Allenton, Derby and offers a wide range of learning opportunities for young people aged between 14 and 19.

We offer a Study Programme with a choice of qualifications ranging from Entry Ent 3 to Level 2.

For more information: Tel: 01332 291722 Email: Skillbuild2004@yahoo.co.uk Moor Lane, Allenton, Derby, DE24 9HY www.derbyskillbuild.org

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 41.

WHY APPRENTICESHIPS BODE WELL FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE

Increasingly, more talented young people regard an apprenticeship as their best route forward to a successful career. However, confusion may arise because there are different types of apprenticeships and some are clearly worth more than others.

For those considering a career in building services engineering, which encompasses electrical installation and maintenance, plumbing, heating and ventilating and engineering maintenance, the apprenticeship route offers a thorough grounding, leading to professional recognition, good earnings and respect from the industry.

This is the fundamental purpose of the charitable training provider JTL, which this month celebrates 25

“

Increasingly, more talented young people regard an apprenticeship as their best route forward to a successful career.

“

years in existence. Potential candidates, interested in becoming an apprentice with JTL, can find out what’s involved, register to apply and complete an online assessment by visiting - www.jtltraining. com.

The online assessment, followed up by a telephone interview and colour-vision test, helps to determine suitability. Successful candidates are registered on JTL’s Approved Applicants’ list which is, in turn, distributed to local employers interested in recruiting an apprentice. On average, only one in 10 JTL candidates is successful, which means the employer is guaranteed a high-calibre individual to interview – and JTL looks to carefully match candidates with the right employer.

The ideal age to apply for an apprenticeship – four years in the case of electrical work and either two or four years in plumbing – is 16-19.

Established employers like to work with young people at this age so they can help prepare them for growing responsibility and career progression that’s geared to their specific business.

There is also the incentive of a £1,500 government grant for eligible employers, which the dedicated JTL Training Officer can help access and give advice on. The employer must pay the National Minimum Wage for an apprentice (£2.73 per hour) – although many may exceed this in order to attract the best people.

The apprenticeship is structured so that the apprentice spends four days a week working on the job with an employer, and one day at a JTL-approved college or training centre concentrating on theory and developing workshop skills.

In terms of qualifications required for would-be apprentices, a minimum GCSE grade C in English and Maths is preferable, but if the candidate hasn’t achieved this level, but is thought capable of doing so, he or she Former JTL electrical apprentice Phoebe Stockford can attain an equivalent standard completed her apprenticeship by completing Functional Skills’

training as part of the apprenticeship.

With any career path, it’s important to appreciate that skills learned in the early stages will have a long-lasting value. There is no doubt that this is the case with electrical or mechanical engineering roles. Research conducted in 2013 stressed a quarter of those working in the wider construction industry were due to retire within five years. This means that all types of work associated with the built environment are likely to face a shortage of skills in the period ahead.

Added to this, the recessionary years from 2008-12 saw a major reduction in apprenticeship recruitment, fundamentally because many businesses were unable to invest in new people when they were struggling to survive. With a four-year gap between starting a Level 3 apprenticeship and completion, the impact of the tighter years will remain a feature of the near future – again highlighting the fact that qualified people will be in great demand.

While there is some variation in earnings for people who can complete their training by as young as 20, the salary figures compare very favourably with that of graduates fresh from university. In most parts of the Midlands, the salary for a qualified individual is approximately £25,000 and moving closer to London can often exceed £30,000.

While JTL encourages apprentices to stay with their employers and foster the growth of successful companies, there is no doubt that the attraction of self-employment somewhere further down the road is important for many. What is infrequently recognised is that working in one of the building services engineering trades does offer considerable career progression opportunities.

A combination of the introduction of new technologies and greater public awareness of gaining better value from money spent on fuel and utilities is making the problem-solving nature of the work increasingly interesting and challenging. More young people are able to grow into roles that include system-planning and design, and with a greater emphasis on saving resources, this type of career development is only set to grow.

Apprenticeships in a sector like building services engineering are today a very viable alternative to full-time higher education, which is often associated with concerns about debt. But entering one of the trades at apprenticeship level does not close the door on eventually gaining an HNC or degree. Many larger employers look to provide these opportunities for qualified people, once they have proved their value to the business.

Page 42. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

What we do

Shoppers at Central England Cooperative’s Ripley food store were encouraged to help local people in need as Salcare launched a new food bank in the store.

Tanya Noon, Central England Co-operative Member and Community Relations Officer, said: “As a community retailer, we are aware that there are many

people experiencing financial difficulties who may turn to food banks as a means of providing for themselves and their families.

Central England Co-operative is committed to working with local food banks as part of its corporate responsibility programme and our target is to have all of our food stores partnered with a food bank, where there is a local need, by the end of 2016.

• Advice: Specialist free support and advice on housing, benefits and debt • ‘Escape’ Domestic Abuse: Specialist free support and advice • ‘Suds R Us’ laundry: at low cost, drop off your washing • Charity shop: clothes, bric-abrac, jewellery, bedding, books, DVDs • Furniture warehouse: beds, sofas, chairs, tables, wardrobes, sideboards, desks and much more…

• Electrical goods: safety tested lights, kitchen appliances, cookers and washing machines, fridges, freezers • Food bank: two days emergency food for single people or families in need (referral only) • Community room: available to rent or free, to local groups • Community kitchen: serving delicious affordable food Escape Domestic Abuse Support Services is a BIG Lottery funded project under the umbrella of

Salcare.

Escape takes referrals from other services and also from

individuals in need of support or information. Our support workers will visit victims at a safe venue and provide information and support regarding court and Safeguarding.

Escape provides specialist one to one support for victims of Domestic Abuse and also group empowerment sessions involving the Freedom Programme: Tuesday 10.00am – 11.30 am at Belper Children’s Centre.

Thursday 10.00am – 11.30 am at Red House Family Support Centre (Alfreton) We also provide a drop in service once a week on Fridays 11am – 1.00pm at Red House Family Support Centre.

Call Escape On: 01773 765899

Furniture We sell a wide range of second hand furniture sofas, chairs, coffee tables, sideboards, dining

furniture, beds, wardrobes, dressing tables, bed side tables and lots lots more!

We also buy second hand items at good prices call for a quote 01773 764562

Our prices are low cost and affordable Three piece suits can range from as little as £50 (If available) our stock varies from week to week.

• All our stock is cleaned and in good condition.

• All beds complies with BS7177 from 1996 • All upholstered furniture complies with (fire safety) regulations 1988 • Delivery can be arranged at low cost, to the local area.

What is Salcare?

Salcare is a charity, aiming to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ providing support for people in need, in Amber Valley and Erewash.

After 30 years we feel like part of the Heanor community – and we know that is how people feel about us.

How do we define ‘people in need’?

• People referred to us by social services, the police or domestic abuse services and job centres • We help everyone who is truly in need • We don’t stick to Amber Valley and Erewash boundaries, if someone needs help we help them

Lots of local people like Salcare too, as they can find all sorts of things to buy at very low cost!

At Salcare we are changing how we help the community. The last few years have been tough for our communities and those tough times don’t seem to be quick to go away. The bedroom tax and changes to council tax and benefits are going to increase the number of people asking for help.

More than ever, people need a place of sanctuary to escape to.

In Heanor, that place is Salcare which provides a vital lifeline for many families and individuals.

Shop Our shop sells a variety of clothing for men, women and children.

We also sell shoes, bric-a-brac, books, curtains and much more.

We need your donations Sofas, chairs, tables, beds, mattresses, desks, chests of drawers, most household furniture, bric a brac, clothes, bedding and curtains.

Free collection of donated furniture, during normal working hours.

House clearance – we are very competitive and offer free estimates, so call today, don’t delay. Please call Trevor Carlile for a quote 01773 764562 We have stock arriving regularly.

Please feel free to come in and meet the team!

We also need your donations, if you have any of the above items please donate them. Call 01773 764562 for any enquiries.

Are you a business with surplus stock? Please donate your stock to Salcare, recycle your items in our shop.

Call 01773 764562 for any enquiries. We can collect your donations

Our community kitchen is also available to hire/free for meetings please call for more information 01773 764562 Lunches 10am – 2pm Very low cost, our community Kitchen is here for the local community, serving fresh healthy meals see our new Daily Specials Board

“Two courses for £2.00 this can be a starter and main or main and pudding! Also hot and cold drinks are served and snacks, all cakes are cooked fresh daily!

Salcare is open Monday to Tuesday 08.30 am till 4pm Fridays 08.30 till 3.30pm Sat/Sun closed Salcare are very delighted to announce that we are working with a local community project, we are asking the general public to donate their unwanted bicycle and donate them to us.

Our partner company collect

the bikes, they are taken to local prisons where inmates re-store the bikes and return them to Salcare fully refurbished. We have a large selection of bikes from adults to children’s on display!

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 43.

Why use Google Adwords Pay-Per-Click?

F or most businesses, and actually anyone looking to sell skills or services online, of course one of the first jobs is to create a website, However there are several things about a website that some people may not clearly understand, and this sort of confusion can hinder the success of the business, in terms of its ability to sell online.

For instance a website can be thought of as an online placeholder for the business to market its product set and its capability, and authority, on the subject matter of the business. But it can also be used as an automatic online sales lead generation system.

Finding new customers using an automatic Lead Generation system Well what do we mean by ‘Lead generation?, Simply put we mean an automatic system for generating new business customers, as opposed to a system where existing customers, need to know your business and website address in order access your services.

In order for new customers to find a business online, the website and its pages MUST be visible and ranked high enough for new customers to be attracted to that site, from a standard Google search typed into the Search Engine. One of the most powerful and widely used techniques available in today’s market place to achieve this is known as Pay-Per-Click marketing or PPC. Customer focussed Adverts, aimed at finding the right customers FAST

Using techniques employed within an extensive system like Google Adwords PPC, it is possible to create very powerful marketing adverts that are based on these sorts of business searches. Using these techniques the advert can be created so that it will be shown very high up the Search Engine listing so that new customers will be attracted to the advert and select or click on it.

This does not happen by accident though, experienced PPC specialists will typically work with the business to understand • • • • • • •

its overall strategy its products or business services Its geographical reach the operating hours of the business available online marketing budget the unique selling points of the business the general business contact details.

Detailed keyword research Companies like SEO Copilot will typically obtain all of this important information in a few hours consultation with a business owner, and fully document this to be used in a Google PPC campaign. The next step in the Google Adwords PPC setup procedure is to carry out extensive keyword research; this helps us to second guess what we think our customers may type into the Search Engine to find our business. Once these keywords are identified they can then be analysed to ensure that they fit the criteria to be used within the PPC campaign, this key criteria will focus on • a good broad coverage of different search

terms • a group of keywords that assist in identifying clients who are looking to buy our products and not just browse the Web.

For businesses looking for new customers?

SEO CoPilot Advanced Search Consultants have used these techniques many times to assist customers to present their products to customers looking for them by searching through popular search engines These companies have experienced true business growth as a result of using these advanced PPC techniques, and the Adwords PPC platform has been configured to create an automated online 24 x 7 marketing machine.

It’s only when experienced PPC consultants have compiled the client’s information and integrated it into the automatic Google Adwords PPC system that these companies started to see more customers on a week by week basis.

Google Adwords Quality Score, Ad Extensions and specialised landing pages all play a part in ensuring that the customer, who is already searching for these products, sees these adverts in an informative manner. Presenting the companies information in this way will mean, clients are far more likely to click on the link and follow it through to the business website, where clear, concise the call-to-action will ensure the new customer knows how to contact the business quickly.

Pit-Falls

It has to be said that if the Google Adwords campaign is not configured correctly, then problems can arise where costs are starting to build up but there is no appropriate traffic in terms of clicks to the website. For this reason it is important that the Keyword research is done correctly and that the campaign is configured and focussed on useful buying keywords that we already know are being searched for.

Factors like Google Quality Score, use of Advert Extensions and Keyword Search algorithms are all important in determining the overall ‘Quality Score’ assigned to each of the keywords by the Google Auction process. Once this ‘Quality Score’ has been calculated then it is used as a weighting factor when setting the Cost-Per-Click (CPC) and helping to determine the placement of the Adverts on Page 1 of the Google search.

Most people would agree that in order to attract new business traffic, the Google PPC advert that is used by companies, needs to be featured in the right position on page 1 of Google. It is therefore key that the Google Adwords PPC specialists carry out comparisons of differently worded adverts, called split-testing, and also test the adverts in different positions in the top half of page 1 of the Google.

Google Adwords PPC gives an excellent return on investment when configured correctly; it can drive vibrant new business traffic to any website, If you would like more information please contact: SEO CoPilot PPC Team adwords@seo-copilot.co.uk 01246 540 869

Free HR Health Assessment available

Spending too much time managing people issues?

A current tricky issue perhaps with one of your employees?

Want peace of mind of knowing that your people practices comply with the law?

We can help you with any aspect of your HR, either as a one-off project or regular day to day support.

We are an HR consultancy based in the East Midlands. With over 25 years’ HR experience working in large blue chip companies including Rolls Royce plc and JCB, our Chartered CIPD professionals have a wealth of experience to help and protect businesses with their people issues.

Whether you employ one, a handful or hundreds, we can give you first class support. Being local, we are happy to provide on-site help and we tailor to your business needs.

Springtime Special Offer We will update or create your HR contracts and policies + 12 months telephone support just £499 + VAT!* *Terms and conditions apply

Visit our website www.concisehr.co.uk See testimonials from the companies we help.

Call us now on 01332 242407 or email info@concisehr.co.uk

Page 44. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

The Tax Benefits Of Thinking Inside ‘The Box’ – The Patent Box.

by Pete Miller of The Miller Partnership Is your company making trading profits through exploiting patents?

If it is, have you considered the amount of tax relief you could be saving with the Patent Box? Introduced on April 1 2013 to encourage UK innovation and entrepreneurship, the Patent Box is a relief which will, in due course, allow companies who own patents to cut their overall Corporation Tax rate substantially.

It is being phased in over five years from April 1 2013, with relief standing at 60% of the maximum in FY 2013, at 70% in FY 2014 and reaching 100 % in FY 2017.

The benefits of the employment Probation period Last month I talked about having a set of terms and conditions of employment that meet business and legal needs. One especially useful and underused clause is the probation period So why are they so underused?

Time is usually the main reason for not utilising the probation period clause to terminate employment.

Underestimating what the induction period is telling you about the new employee is another.

What a three step probation period looks like Step One – have clear objective standards for behaviour, conduct and technical ability that you can reasonably expect a new employee to develop and achieve within the probation period.

Step Two – have regular and frequent two-way discussions with the employee about how they are doing in relation to the

standards. State what is going well and what needs to improve.

Address concerns and add in training if needed.

Step Three – Make a decision, meet with the employee and confirm whether or not they have passed the probation period and what the next step is.

Time spent now is time well spent! I regularly get involved in handling complex employee relations situations where the manager or employer has said that there have been problems from the beginning. Wanting to give new employees the time to settle in and learn new skills is admirable but can be costly if left unchecked.

Save problems, time and money by following a simple 1, 2, 3 step process – set standards, have conversations and make a decision.

What I really enjoy doing is

AUSTIN’S

So, if you or your client is a trading company with profits from exploiting patents after March 31 2013, you might want to consider what Patent Box relief could do for you.

First, you’ll need to ask the following questions:

We’ve also been working with our clients to ensure that they will continue to qualify for relief through the Patent Box should their business be affected by group reorganisations, sales or mergers, for example.

Patent Box is particularly generous in that even if you don’t yet hold a patent, you could benefit by applying for one now. The notional relief available starts to accumulate from the time the patent is applied for and can be claimed once the patent is granted.

And applying for a patent might not be as expensive as you might think.

To find out more, please contact The Miller Partnership by phone or email right away for a free consultation. If you’re eligible for the Patent Box we’ll do the necessary tax computations.

But remember, this relief is only available from the time you apply for the patent, so don’t delay.

• Does the company own patents which it exploits as part of its trade? helping businesses with their employee relations for HR, Training or Conflict Resolution support - Call 079 0562 7439 now to arrange a no-obligation company visit or email me at letstalk@letstalkconsultancy. co.uk Bye for now, Lindsey-Jayne Trueman Chartered MCIPD, PGDip Accredited Workplace and Community Mediator.

• Or does the company exploit someone else’s patent under an exclusive licence?

• Does the company have intellectual property that could be patented so that patent box relief can be claimed?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, the Patent Box may well be available to you.

In recent months I’ve received many inquiries from companies and/or their accountants in sectors as diverse as home interiors and civil engineering – and most stand to benefit substantially from this welcome tax relief.

pete.miller@themillerpartnership.com

Kitchen & Bathroom Installations

*BOOK

NOW ew to visit our n

M

SHOWROO

1 Huntley Avenue, Spondon, Derby. DE21 7DW *Home showroom appointment required.

Suppliers and Fitters | Call Wayne Austin

01332 670 622

07971 194 387

info@austinskitchens.com | www.austinskitchens.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 45.

Recruitment www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

DHL Supplychain; logistics provider for Currys/PC World/Know How Newark are currently seeking the following.

LGV 1 Drivers Starting salary £27,040* for the following shifts days and nights Monday to Friday Tuesday to Saturday Sunday to Thursday

Starting salary £29,250* for the following shifts weekend shift pattern Thursday to Monday days and late morning/early afternoons overtime available, Additional Shift Allowance Nights Out Allowance, Driver Medicals free of charge and DCPC provided if necessary. Immediate starts available.

Please contact the management Team for further details on 01636 594021 / 594118

Drivers Wanted P.A. Wright & Sons Ltd P.A. Wright & Sons Limited are a family run business established in 1955, located on the Leicestershire / Warwickshire border. Our services include the recycling and transportation of biosolids for two of the UK’s leading water authorities across the Midlands and East Anglian regions.

We are currently recruiting self-motivated, professional HGV drivers, with a positive attitude and an ability to make a difference, either working as an individual or as part of a team.

Class C Tipper Drivers Class C Tipper Drivers, operating within the counties of Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Class C+E Night shift Tanker / Bulk Tipper Drivers Class C+E night shift Tanker Drivers as well as day shift positons predominantly based at Twycross, Warwickshire but operating throughout Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Pool Sentry is an expanding company (www.poolsentry.co.uk) that services commercial swimming pools nationwide We require

Service & Installation Engineers (experienced and trainee) to install and service electrical and mechanical plant (e.g. pumps, PVC pipework, filters, controllers, dosing equipment).

This is an opportunity for anyone with an electrical, mechanical or plumbing background to expand their skills and knowledge in an interesting and rewarding job.

Working initially with experienced engineers, full training will be provided. Driving license required.

Electrical training/qualifications would be an advantage.

Based at our Ashbourne HQ the successful applicant will work mainly at sites in the Midlands and the North.

For further information and an application pack, please contact Cynthia on 01538 308811 (cynthia@poolsentry.co.uk) Closing date for applications 6th March 2015

All of the above positions require a valid CPC and Digi card.

Previous experience in the operation of agricultural equipment would be an advantage but is not essential.

If you feel you are the right person for any of the above roles, please contact Melissa Hetherington: Email: hr@pawrightandsons.co.uk Tel: 01827 880 472 Website: www.pawrightandsons.co.uk

Derbyshire Guardian Sales Staff required: 01332 650239

Page 46. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

This Months Car Reviews

Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid.

It would be true to say that the threat of global warming has the world in a spin. For conscientious motorists of a planet-saving kind it becomes imperative that habits change and the sooner the better.

It is, though, an uncomfortable truth that in order to do ones best for the planet, one must subject the wallet to a little ecological mining of its

resources. In other words, if you’re truly eco-minded you have to put the money where your mouth is and a V60 plug-in hybrid luxury estate costs anywhere between £49,775 and £51,475 depending on what extras you choose.

Fortunately not everyone is on their uppers yet and those with the wherewithal are able to show that they care for us all. The rewards with this estate are there too with

low company car tax, zero road tax and a 75% subsidy towards the cost of a home charging point.

You can, of course, plug into any domestic socket.

In essence this is a technologically advanced car with a familiar 2.4 diesel driving the front wheels, a 68bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels or both motors driving all wheels - depending on which mode you choose from ‘power’,

‘pure’ or ‘hybrid’. That’s enough power to give quick performance all the way to around 145mph.

You get about 30 mile range on just electric but realistically if you are not constantly charging it you get around 45/50 mpg on diesel.

You could, of course, just use electric and hardly use the diesel, thereby getting ‘30 miles per plug socket’, ‘30 miles per mega amp’, ‘30 miles per ardua ad astra’...or whatever you want to call it!

‘Sounds complex to me’ I hear you say. Nonsense! Just let it default to ‘hybrid’ and let the computer sort it out and plug-in when you can. The hybrid way with Volvo is a system brought to the market by Swedish alchemists that makes an irresistible appeal to common sense. There’s nothing makeshift about hybrid motoring the Volvo way. It’s not so much about yoking together hitherto incompatible automotive power sources as a rich and smooth blending of the better aspects of each that makes clear just how clearly marvellous a hybrid car can be. It’s a ‘plug in and go’ concept that’s as easy to use as a shaver.

Inside the roomy interior, fixtures

and fittings are top quality and comfort and refinement are as good - if not better - than cars costing over twice as much.

Naturally the climate is controlled and the ambience is conducive to real relaxation. One is served a smorgasbord of good sense, sound engineering, quality components and impeccable good taste.

Technologically it’s wired to the moon with digital displays of wizardry to let you programme in everything from ‘bings and boings’ to warn you that the Mig 29 on your tail has got missile lock on you - to a toastie warm, heated ejector seat. (Only joking!). NASA wouldn’t take better care of you.

On the road it’s refined, quiet, rapid and handles beautifully.

In short, just put the six speed automatic gearbox into ‘drive’, press the throttle and whoosh!... you’re away. You could do five hundred miles non-stop in one of these and arrive as fresh as a scented fly spray.

I traveled into the big city of Birmingham and never once felt rushed or remotely flustered.

I won’t say it was an extension

for four large adults and access and egress are easy. The boot is a decent size for a car in this class and everything about its ergonomic design and ingenious use of space is state-of-the art.

SE Design specification in this £15,460 five door version with the 1.2 90PS engine and manual gearbox gives you all the electronic aids you’ll need for ease, comfort and entertainment including an automatic post collision braking system.

“What on earth is that?” I hear you ask. Well.. its magic wizardry that puts on the brakes if you’ve had a crash so that you won’t be shoved from pillar to post in a multiple pile-up.

But on a more positive note, it’s a day-to-day car but with

reliability of celestial clockwork.

The sun never seems to set on VW serendipity even while the planets perform their stately progress. You feel that - uncanny but true - were the Polo shod with the correct tyres it would perform the task of an utterly reliable Mars Rover.

Few manufacturers can match the Volkswagen gift for developing engineering to the point of aesthetic achievement. It does everything so well. The engine is responsive, smooth and clean living with Co2 emissions of only 107g/km. It’s not a firebrand (and you shouldn’t expect it to be) but it will reach near 115mph and realistically return about 50mpg.

It’s willing, not temperamental and with light gear changes you

By Syd Taylor. of a morning lie-in but it endorsed the tingling ecstasies of an electric tomorrow. As I’ve already said, such felicity, sadly, doesn’t come cheap - but since when has ones good fortune been a barrier to integrity. In other words if you’re concerned about the planet and can afford to do something about it then this could be the car for you.

‘Time is of the essence’ they say - and the essence of Volvo diesel hybrid motoring is to buy us time for the future. Generations as yet unborn will thank the civic-minded farsightedness of those prepared to ‘cough up’ the readies for such a ready performer as this.

VW Polo SE Design 1.2 TSi 90PS 5 Door.

As venerable a supermini brand as anyone will find anywhere on the planet, the Volkswagen Polo out punches all of its rivals - even including Bombardier Billy Pilkington, the well known welterweight from Willenhall.

The question is for how long can any manufacturer keep ringing the changes on a basic concept without altering it beyond recognition. A fine balance has to be struck between adroit evolution and dodo-like decline. I’m pleased to report that with the new Polo things keep on getting better.

Here is a car so classy that, in some respects, it defines its own class and leaves rivals playing catch-up.

As everyone knows, cars don’t come more reliable than VWs and while the Polo was never designed for ‘thrill-a-minute’ motoring, I was excited to discover just how good this ‘little’ car is and why, despite so many imitators, it remains true to the original.

Todays tech-savvy drivers are on the lookout for all those clever electronics that smooth the way towards relaxing and carefree motoring. Here with the new Polo, the latest in sophisticated driver

aids is married to the tried and trusted Polo format of a small car (despite the fact that it’s nearly as big as an early Golf) with a big heart aimed at those who plan to pump out the miles without a care in the world.

Approaching the fifth generation five door Polo I was struck yet again by that Volkswagen aura of robustness.

Inside there’s room

delight in the rightness of every operation.

Ride quality is excellent and so too is handling - but it’s not up with the simply magical handling of the Fiesta.

Nevertheless, in total it’s as if the drivers thoughts and the cars internals are united in ones private concerto of harmonious highway management.

The Polo is, of course, a car that is primarily designed to be functional and, of course, it’s never less than that - but what a bonus to discover its charismatic cuteness. If it’s true to say ‘cars have character’ then this Polo wears a smile and lucky owners will wear a smile too.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 47.

Page 48. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 49

Page 50. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

TJ Villas Villa Adonia and Villa Harmony are two neighbouring luxury properties situated on the sunny island of Cyprus - the jewel in the Mediterranean.

These stunning villas are located in the Paphos area on the west of the island, in the village of Peyia, which includes the beach resort of Coral Bay. Peyia is an ideal holiday destination as it overlooks Coral Bay and it’s lovely beach and these villas are located just 30 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes from Paphos town and five minutes from Coral Bay. The centre of Peyia village is

within a 5 to 10 minute walk where there are several bars, tavernas, take-aways, shops, banks, supermarkets and other amenities. In fact it is such a great location that many guests rarely leave the villa and village during their entire stay.

Paphos has many amenities and activities, including golf, water sports, water parks, diving, jeep safaris, cycling, hiking and even ski-ing in the winter.

Both villas have stunning panoramic views, being two of the best available in this area and they are ideal for wedding parties.

Cyprus is one of the world’s most

popular wedding venues - due to the ease of getting weddings arranged and the reliable weather.

The two villas are neighbouring properties but each retaining privacy, their own landscaped gardens and spectacular Infinity Pool. Both have panoramic sea and mountain views, which can be admired from both the pool area and the large balconies on the bedrooms, complete with separate outdoor furniture.

For more information check out the website - http://www.tjvillas. com/ - which also contains links to many favourable reviews for both properties on TripAdvisor.

Villa Lorien, Sotogrande

COSTA DEL SOL SPAIN

Sleeps: 14 (4 bedrooms) Bright, Stylish Villa With Large Pool In A Peaceful Location With Mountain And Sea Views Close To Beach, Polo Fields And All Amenities With Valderrama, Almenara And 5 Other Golf Courses Minutes Away www.ownersdirect.co.uk/accommodation/p8107373 - Quote Derbyshire Guardian for an extra 10% off

Tel: (UK) 07738184313

email: Andrew.tait@mansion.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 51.

LUXURY PROPERTIES IN CYPRUS Did you know that Cyprus enjoys 326 days of sunshine each year? Why not enjoy the spring flowers in April/May or the sunshine from June/September. October is considered to be one of the best months with sunshine and warm seas. November is Cyprus’s best kept secret with temperatures in the mid 20’s and many days of sunshine. People swim in the sea until Christmas and there is plenty of winter sunshine. Put simply, it is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year.

what the doctor ordered’ and ‘an apartment with the benefits of a villa’.

Further details can be found at www. elysiancyprus.com.

Apartment Emelia – is a luxury 2 bed, 2 bath apartment situated close to Paphos town centre and is within 15 minutes’ walk of local beaches. Set in landscaped gardens with a large pool, the property is stylishly furnished and has several balconies and a roof terrace.

We are delighted to be able to offer three This is the perfect location for those wanting to be within easy reach of Paphos town luxury properties for the 2015 season: centre. Further details can be found at: www.

Villa Chiara - is a lovely detached villa homeaway.co.uk/1682924. situated in a quiet residential area with a private heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi/ Cyprus, with its wealth of history, glorious Spa. It is the perfect place for group holidays weather and breathtaking landscapes offers and family gatherings and sleeps up to a great deal for people to do. Whether you 10. There are two golf courses within easy are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or reach (Elea Estate and Minthis Hills) and an action-packed adventure holiday, Cyprus local beaches are within a five minute drive. has something for everyone . There are an Paphos town is about a ten minute drive away abundance of beautiful beaches and those with its lovely harbour and many restaurants. looking for adventure can take part in all The villa is well equipped, has English TV, air kinds of sports including surfing, windsurfing, parascending, water-skiing and even skiing in conditioning and Wi-fi throughout. the winter months! Golf and walking holidays The Elysian Suite - is located in Peyia, about are particularly popular in the cooler months.

20 minutes to the West of Paphos town. This luxury penthouse apartment is set on a small Please call Jane on 07805 840559 or email exclusive development in the hillside behind bookings@zingzee.com if you would like to Coral Bay and has the benefit of panoramic know more and quote the promotional code: sea views and large outside balconies. It has LVR15 If you would like to receive a discount. been described as a ‘home from home’, ‘just We very much hope to hear from you.

The beautiful Akamas National Park

Lara Beach with its famous turtle hatchery

Latchi harbour with its many fish restaurants

Page 52. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Millhouse in France The Old Mill in the heart of the Pyrenees is a genuine home-from-home set in a superb location, with light airy lounges, a huge country kitchen, ensuite rooms and boasting almost every amenity.

It has been restored to a very high standard and features private access to the Tech River which flows just 50 metres from the rear of the Millhouse.

The house is very spacious and ideal for a group of up to 12 (possibility of more) to relax in comfort across two floors with a choice of reception rooms. As an added bonus, there is a 10% discount on all bookings made before March 14.

It’s an ideal location for family get-togethers or groups and can cater for a wide variety of interests ranging from walking and hiking,

cycling, bird-watching, diving / fishing on the coast, painting, music, cooking and golf - the Falgos golf course is just a 25 minute drive up the valley.

Some of the best Mediterranean beaches in France nearby and the Spanish border less than half an hour away.

The property is set in a quiet and peaceful area and is just a five minute drive from the nearest village and only 20 minutes from the beautiful market town of Ceret.

A wonderful gorge is just along the valley and the house is surrounded by nature and mountains in a location which is almost always hot and sunny.

For more information check out the website http://www.themillhouseinfrance.com/

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 53.

Frenaros Villa This stunning self-catering holiday villa is located in the rural village of Frenaros in the Famagusta District of Cyprus.

It is an ideal base for families on a get-away-from-it-all holiday who are looking for luxury accommodation at very affordable prices.

Situated outside the village of Frenaros, this property is just a short distance away from local amenities including a 24hr convenience store, the local supermarket, butcher and wonderful bakery and patisseries.

It is a four bedroom, four bathroom villa which sleeps nine people and is easily accessible

to all main routes to towns and seafront resorts.

It is 33km from Larnaca Airport, 3km from the nearest motorway and 10km from Makronisos and Landa Beach. Next door there is a wonderful taverna serving affordable local dishes.

People who have stayed there regularly give it five star reviews. One recent review said: “Absolutely beautiful, was more than I expected. The house is stunning, large accommodation with lots of natural sunlight larger than average pool however we were unable to use this due to weather being slightly cool. Huge kitchen with seating area equipped

with all modern essentials and spotless throughout. Cannot fault this property. We will definitely go back…loved it.”

There are actually two villas on the plot which makes it suitable for larger groups, eg small wedding parties for up to 19 guests. However the owners guarantee that there is always exclusive use of the pool- so if only one villa is rented then the second villa will not be rented out at the same time.

For more information about the property and to check out other reviews then visit the website http://www.homeaway.co.uk/ p1103644#amenities

Villa in Opio, Alpes Maritimes, France This peaceful villa set in beautiful gardens is surrounded by woodland and is close to the fabulous Cote d’Azur beaches as well as the mountain villages and markets of Alpes Maritimes.

It features a stunning 12 metre pool and sleeps seven making it ideal for three couples as a base to explore the local area.

The idyllic woodland setting with far reaching views to the sea, the exceptional garden and pool, and the home-from-home comfortable atmosphere is what makes it ideal for a holiday base.

There are a plethora of nearby golf courses to enjoy including the Opio Valbonne golf course which is just a three minute drive away.

4 bedroom 4 bathroom Villa set in extensive well maintained garden. A two storey 4 double bedroom modern villa 2 with ensuite. One family bathroom. 2 reception rooms. Spacious kitchen diner. Guest cloakroom. Decorated and equipped to an excellent spec. The property has deep verandas on both floors.This Villa mirrors 58a and sit round the pool area. matu gardens and small orchard to the rear seclude The mature the property and gives you the privacy to enjoy your holiday.

Situated outside the village of Frenaros, you are a short distance away from local amenities eg a 24hr convenience store, the local supermarket, butcher and wonderful bakery and patisseries.The Villas are fully airconed for the summer heat and centrally heated in the winter.

Owner Martha Behiri 07812073165 i

www.homeaway.co.uk/p1103644

This 18-hole course, with views of mountains and sea, is located within 220 hectares of undulating landscape in the shade of century-old trees.

It is also just a few minutes from some of the most beautiful coastlines of the Côte d’Azur. The site is also sheltered from the wind and benefits from a sunny climate and an ideal geographical position.

For more information see http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/accommodation/ p8145817

Villa in Opio, Alpes Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Cote D’Azur, France

FRENAROS HOMESTAY VILLA

• Sleeps: 10 • Bedrooms: 4 • Bathrooms: 4 • * 7 Nights Minimum Stay

Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.

•

Sleeps 7 (2 ensuite doubles 1 twin, 1 single) • Pool • Internet Access • Golf • SKY TV

If it is peace and quiet you are seeking, beneath cobalt Provençal skies, accompanied by birdsong and the distant bray of a donkey across the valley, then this is the villa for you.

Safely within a gated, wooded hillside Domaine with tennis court, cou this is very much a comfortable family home from home. It offers easy living, Wi-Fi, Sky TV, a video & dvd library and a well equipped new kitchen. The master bedroom with balcony and en suite bathroom have recently been converted to create a

tranquil room with a view at the top of the villa. The pool and beautiful gardens also offer complete privacy and a welcome relief from the strains and stresses of everyday life.Yet within short driving distance is the cloiste cloistered square of 14th Century Valbonne, with its buzzing cafes, restaurants and popular Friday morning market. There are two golf courses within 5 minutes drive and others in easy reach.

For further information please visit us on Owners Direct; Property Reference - FR22093

Page 54. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Villa Feliz, Puerto Banus, Los Naranjos Golf Course Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain If you are looking for a fabulous holiday rental villa in Spain’s Costa del Sol which is close to golf courses, tennis courts and many beaches then this fivebedroomed villa is ideal.

Situated in the heart of beautiful Nueva Andalucia, in Puerto Banus, Marbella, this property is fully-equipped with all modern conveniences including Wi-Fi and satellite television.

If it is activity you want then there is a private tennis court at your

disposal and there are six golf courses within a 4km radius.

Malaga Airport is only a 45 minute drive away and if relaxing is your intention then the various sun terraces, shaded al fresco dining area and large secluded L-shaped swimming pool will certainly be of interest.

Barbecue and sun loungers are provided and the grounds feature a mature garden with extensive lawn area with steps down to the full sized tennis court. There

is also private parking for up to three cars within villa’s gated forecourt.

The beaches and other local attractions are also close by, making this an ideal holiday home for families or groups of friends.

Just 3km from Puerto Banus, this villa sleeps ten people in five ensuite Rooms.

For more information please see www.ownersdirect.co.uk property ref: S22441.

Real Club de Golf Las Brisas This is without doubt the quintessential golf club of the Costa del Sol which is renowned for its excellent service and most welcoming social ambience.

Every hole at Real Club de Golf Las Brisas has been designed to be challenging to even the most experienced of players.

Numerous water hazards, prudent bunkering and subtle dog legs add to the challenge.

Playing at Las Brisas represents an achievement in any golfer’s yearbook. A challenging yet enjoyable experience.

This Robert Trent Jones design opened in 1969 and is recognised as one of Europe’s finest courses.

It hosted the World Cup twice, the Spanish Open three times and as well as the Mediterranean Open.

Water is a major feature and must be crossed or avoided on twelve holes.

It was one of the first courses in Europe to use bent grass and oozes quality from beginning to end.

The positioning of the bunkers, water hazards and raised greens means the course is as much about position as it is about length.

The majority of the greens are elevated and protected by tricky bunkers to catch any loose shots. This is a challenging and entertaining round of golf where precision is the key to a good score.

With around 1,225 members from more than 30 different nationalities, there is a warm

and vibrant social scene which is supported by superb facilities.

The Clubhouse has all the comforts expected of a modern golf club. The Restaurant and Bar cater for a wide range of tastes, with both indoor and alfresco dining and features a large terrace which overlooks the golf course.

One reviewer wrote: “The course opens up with a cracking series of holes and many on the back nine sweep left and right to through stands of trees. You cannot help but enjoy Las Brisas and if you manage your way successfully through the many risk and reward decisions, you might even card a good score.”

Los Naranjos is one of Spain’s best golf courses. It is a true Championship course, designed by world famous golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr, this course is considered to be one of his finest European designs.

Suitable for all levels of players, Los Naranjos is firmly established as one of Spain’s most popular golf courses, welcoming visitors all year round.

Los Naranjos does not only represent a superior golf course but also the social events for members and guests are very popular and admired.

The Club is well known for its special and welcoming

atmosphere and is located in the famous “Golf Valley of Marbella”, just a few minutes away from Puerto Banus.

The course is a typical Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with generous fairways and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The greens, with Penn A4-grass, are spacious and slightly undulated.

The tees are long and have four markers: red, yellow, white and black with course lengths starting from 5,131 metres and reaching 6,532 metres at its longest.

The magnificent club house provides a fantastic view of the golf course and the surrounding Nueva Andalucía. Among the

Mijas Golf

During the last decades, Mijas Golf has become one of the most popular golf complexes in Europe, known by the outstanding condition of their courses and the friendly atmosphere and excellent service provided to the clients.

The courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos, are situated in the valley of Mijas, north of Fuengirola, only twenty minutes from the Málaga international airport and Marbella, and 3.5 kms. from the sea.

The Los Lagos course, which is 6,536 meters in length, is the larger of the two in Mijas Golf.

Keeping the original design of Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course has been totally refurbished in 2012.

Los Lagos is a course with

soft slopes, wide fairways and few forest trees obstacles, but defended by many bunkers and not less than nine lakes, from which the course gets its name, eager to trap each and anyone’s ball.

The greens are large and flat with sensitive undulations and the wide tees can be accommodated to reduce or enlarge the difficulty to choice.

Los Lagos is a course suitable for kind of handicap players, being one of the most famous commercial courses of the Costa del Sol. The Los Olivos course was founded in 1983/84 and refurbished in 2000/2001.

Also Designed by Robert Trent

facilities offered are a fine restaurant with its own wine bodega, inspirational conference rooms, an exclusive Members Lounge, Wellness studio with training and massage, a Hair Salon, Technical Service office, Estate Agency and a well-stocked Pro Shop.

Since the opening in 1977, Los Naranjos has been the host of several mayor competitions, including the Spanish Open, and is ranked one of the best golf courses in Spain.

In 2005 and again in 2008 Los Naranjos was voted Course of the year on the Costa del Sol.

Senior, the main feature which distinguishes this course from Los Lagos is the abundance of trees - hence the name.

Also it is smaller size, has fewer water hazards and its smaller greens are undulating and well defended.

Although both are the work of the same designer, there is no doubt there are interesting contrasts between the two courses: if Los Lagos are based on hazards of water and sand, Los Olivos is noted for its strategic narrow tree lined fairways and elevated greens.

Los Olivos is a course best suited for players gifted with a higher technical ability and precision in their game.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 55.

Page 56. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Villamartin Golf Course

For further information please contact Richard on (UK) 07971889618 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (S20481)

Villamartin Golf Course, designed by Paul Putman, is situated within a mile of the sea between Torrevieja and Murcia airport at San Javier on the south eastern tip of the Costa Blanca.

This Par 24 course measures 6,005 metres and hosted the 1994 Mediterranean Open which was won by Jose Maria Olazabal.

It is built on hilly ground with the front nine holes being at the highest point of the course offering some spectacular sea views. The second nine are situated more in valleys with brancas ( ravines ) coming into play on several holes.

Its extraordinary design and unmatched setting undoubtedly make this course one of the best golf courses in Spain. Its well-rooted and mature vegetation of over 40 years provides a beautiful backdrop.

Villa martin provides a course for players of all skill and levels to enjoy and it will require the use of every club in the bag.

The greens are wonderfully designed and have attracted very important tournaments including the Mediterranean Open Volvo PGA European Tour,

held in 1997 and the European Challenge PGA Tour on two occasions.

A real gem of a course, there is plenty of interesting holes on offer to push golfers to the limit and really challenge low to mid handicappers who should take extra care.

It is one of the most established and matured golf courses in Valencia, designed to fit closely with the natural terrain of the land, allowing for ravines and valleys to come into play.

Olive trees add to the difficulty of the greens while the elevated tees in the first 9 holes show off the amazing views of the coastline in the distance, but adds to the challenge with the prevailing wind.

The signature hole is the par 3 17th, with an elevated tee in which a strong drive is required to get past the water running across the fairway and ravine, to the tiered green.

There are plenty of bunkers and trees surrounding, and accuracy can make or break you on this hole.

There is also a pro shop, driving range, practise putting green, chipping area and bunker.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 57.

Les Trois Oliviers Les Trois Oliviers is a well-appointed detached villa with large pool and beautiful views over the 1,000 year old village of St-Genies de Fontedit in southern France.

Superbly located, around 20 minutes from Beziers and within half an hour of a variety of sandy beaches, the house featured on Channel 4’s ‘Richard & Judy’ as a fine example of a property in the Languedoc.

It is a child-friendly property in an enclosed garden with lawns, shady trees, a hammock and a pool which is fully enclosed to the highest safety standard, with child-proof gates.

It boasts five bedrooms, sleeping nine, and is on the Parc Naturel Regional de Haut Languedoc with kayaking, swimming, fishing and numerous scenic walks just 10 minutes away.

For guests requiring additional accommodation, there are two modern gites within the grounds which can be rented as a supplement to the house.

Both gites are well equipped with cookers, kettles, toasters, fridge/freezers, washing machines & microwaves.

Situated in the Orb valley, there are numerous outdoor pursuits to enjoy and the local area boasts a wide range of mapped walks to appeal to all levels of fitness.

Kayaking and river swimming is a 10 minute drive away, there is a good golf course a St Thomas,

only 15 minutes drive away and a choice of 14 golf courses in the Languedoc region.

The area is, of course, a particularly famous wine producing region. There are numerous ‘Caves’ where the local produce can be tasted and bought.

For further information contact owners Mr & Mrs Palmer by phone on 020 8318 7637 or via email to info@lestroisoliviers-languedoc.co.uk. In addition when you say that you have seen the property mentioned in this paper, then you can have a 5% discount on your booking.

You can also check out the property website at http://www.lestroisoliviers-languedoc.co.uk/

the airport and hire cars for their stay.

Villa in Bahceli Nr. Golf Club Esentepe, Kyrenia, Cyprus Korineum The prestigious Korineum Golf & Beach Resort is

This three bedroom villa with its own private pool and stunning sea and mountain views regularly gets five star reviews on the Owners Direct property website.

Set in a tranquil seafront location in Bacheli, Cyprus, guests are in for a real treat. There are magnificent sun sets, a one minute walk to the sea front and just a ten minute drive away from the award-winning 18 hole Korineum Golf and Country Club. Owner Janice is happy to arrange taxis to meet guests from

the proud home to the first 18 hole golf course in the Northern part of Cyprus.

This 18 hole championship golf course is a dynamic 6,232 metres, 72 par gem designed for golfers of all standards and ages.

The unique design enables the golfers to enjoy mountain and seas view from each hole making it a breathtaking experience and also a golfing challenge that golfers want to experience over and over again.

Page 58. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Alhama

Penthouse With Stunning Mountain And Golf Course Views 15 Mins From Beach, Pool (With Children’s Pool). Overlooks 18th Green With Fabulous Outdoor Lounge Sleeps 4 (2 Bedrooms) Occupying one of the prime locations on the resort, this stunning Penthouse apartment is perfect for those seeking either a relaxing holiday or golfing break. The apartment is fully air conditioned and consists of an open plan kitchen / dining / living area with 2 bedrooms, one of which contains twin bedswith the other containing a double bed and patio doors onto the terrace. The apartment floor, with is located on the first floo lift access.

the signature hole Par 3 11th hole playing to a near island green.

This stunning 18-hole Jack Nicklaus ‘Signature’ This course is regarded as the highlight of the golf course forms part of the “Nicklaus Golf Trail” in Nicklaus Golf Trail and takes on a natural rugged Murcia and features dramatic changes in elevation, appearance as the undulating ribbons of dark green five lakes, and is a challenge for golfers of all paspalum fairway snake their way through the native Murcian landscape. standards.

The course opened in December 2009 to rave All golfers’ shot-making abilities will be challenged reviews and golfers have been flocking there ever by the undulating bent grass greens. The beauty of since to take advantage of one of Spain’s newest the course is further enhanced by the large lakes, dramatic bunkering, and perfectly manicured playing and most prestigious golf courses.

There is a driving range and pro shop where you conditions. This strategic test of golf is sure to be a can hire clubs, shoes, buggies and trolleys and the stern yet enjoyable golfing adventure for everyone. course professional is available for lessons to help Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail is a unique golf experience made up by six Nicklaus Design Golf Courses with get your handicap down.

The Par 72, 6,884 metre course covers around 96 the highest quality and design standards. hectares with a coverage of 45 hectares alone to The golf experience offered by the courses Mar Menor, La Torre, Saurines, Riquelme, El Valle green areas.

There are 116 bunkers of various shapes with a set and Alhama, turn the region of Murcia into one of designed to look like a Bears Paw print and water the most important golf destinations of Europe, a comes into play on seven holes - none more so than “European Arizona”

For your entertainment, the apartment has a wall mounted 32" flat screen LCD TV and DVD player.

There is also an Ipod docking station.

Perhaps the main asset of this apartment is its location, overlooking the 18th green of the stunning Jack Nicklaus designed golf course with amazing views of the mountains beyond. The apartment terrace is spacious and is equipped with top quality rattan furniture in both the outdoor lounge and dining areas.

The apartment also contains a apa travel cot, high chair and also comes with its own parking space.

** INCLUDES UK TV CHANNELS & WIFI ** M: 07748327062 E: irarmitage@gmail.com Owners Direct Reference: S21851

APARTMENT IN ALVOR , WESTERN ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Pet friendly apartment with secure parking and communal swimming pool Peaceful location, easy walk to both village and beach, restaurants, cafes and shops nearby Luxury one bedroom, end terrace, ground floor apartment, sleeps 2-4 on a select secure compound, 10 minutes from beach and village centre. Shared pool and secure parking garage.

Peaceful although walking distance to shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and the beach.

Ideal base for golfers.

Sleeps: 4 (1 bedroom) Bathrooms/Toilets: 1 free high speed WiFi For further information please contact Elizabeth on (PORTUGAL) +351 960367862 or visit us on Owners Direct - Property code (P16117)

Cyclo Monster Independent bike shop owner Phil Topliss says the opening of Derby’s new £28m, 5,000-seat velodrome at Pride Park will spark a huge interest in cycling throughout the region.

Phil, 40, launched his Cyclo Monster website three years ago and following on from the success opened a highly-successful 3000 sqft retail shop in Spondon in June 2013.

He is fully geared up to offer those new and experienced to cycling all the advice they need to take advantage of the excellent new facilities at the Derby Arena which will host high-level cycling events, basketball and volleyball games and double as a concert venue.

Phil said: “It is very exciting riding on the track and this time of year it is particularly good as you are sheltered from the elements.

“This is a really fast-paced competitive sport which is suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

“The Velodrome will be great for people who are getting into the sport and this is a great way to keep

fit, especially in the Winter.”

Cyclo Monster specialises in road, mountain, hybrid and electric bikes and also stocks a wide range of aluminium and carbon track bikes and accessories.

As well as a busy retail shop, Cyclo Monster offers a fast and professional mail order service and operates a busy fully-equipped workshop staffed by experienced mechanics, who will do everything possible to keep your bike in tip top condition.

Whether customers need a puncture fixing or require a high-end custom build, Cyclo Monster provides free quotes and ensures the work is done quickly and to the very highest standards.

Cyclo Monster has a great range of quality bikes from top names including Focus, Scott, Frog, Mekk, Storck Bicycles and State Bicycles and also has a range of electric bikes which are proving increasingly popular.

It also has its own club - Team Cyclo Monster - which is open for all to join and take part in the organised club rides and events. Members also get a discount at the shop.

For more information check out the website http://www.cyclomonster.com

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 59.

Page 60. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 61.

Sport

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

LOCAL RALLY CHAMPION HEADS FOR THE CIRCUIT C

hesterfield rally drive Steve Perez clinched the 2014 BTRDA Rally Championship title in October, his fourth national rally title.

It was also his second success in the BRTDA, having won it in 2010, and this season Steve and son Sebastian plan to go circuit racing, too. It promises to be a busy year for Steve, who maintains that rallying will remain his prime focus, but alongside this he plans to race in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup, a support race for the British Touring Car Championship, while Sebastian will compete in Ginetta Juniors on the same package.

Steve was delighted to take his second BTRDA title, although he accepted that he had his slice of luck.

“It always takes some luck winning a title and I’ve had good luck and bad luck. We were lucky to win the first round on a tie break having set equal times with Steve Petch.” Driving his VK Energy sponsored ex-Marcus Gronholm Ford Focus WRC07 for the first time in 13 months, Steve and co-driver Paul Spooner set the fastest time on the opening stage of the Somerset Stages Rally. Rival Petch was 5 seconds slower on this stage, but they tied on 42 minutes 28 seconds at the rally’s end. The rules awarded the event to Steve as the faster through stage 1.

Following a broken driveshaft in the Plains Rally, Steve and Paul bounced back with victory in the Dukeries Rally, across the border in Nottinghamshire.

They won 9 of the day’s 10 special stages giving

stages, settling for second place behind Bird, and some good points towards the c h a m p i o n s h i p.

Victory by 3.4 seconds, form Bird, in Yorkshire’s Trackrod Rally set up a winnertakes-all finale in the Cambrian Rally in Wales.

To take the title Steve and Paul would have to finish ahead of Bird and Davies, and Steve set the quickest time in stage 1, while Bird made a mistake, losing a minute to Perez. Steve was able to play it safe for the rest of the rally, coming home second behind David Weston, but maintaining a comfortable margin ahead of the hard-charging Bird, a 12 second advantage enough for Perez and Spooner to lift the title. “It was a closely fought battle with Paul Bird,” said Steve, “but I always figured that by pushing him hard he would make mistakes. And he went off and lost a minute on the first stage which meant I only had to stay ahead of him to win the Championship. It is great to win the titles more than once as it shows it wasn’t just a fluke, and to win the fourth title with some great competition and, especially with it being so close, made it a particularly sweet championship win.” Steve became interested in rallying through his local motor club in Matlock, first of all as a navigator and co-driver with Alistair Sutherland, a former British champion. Building his highly successful

The historic Lancia Stratos, a favourite of Steve’s. drinks industry and in 1986 founded the Global Beer Company selling imported beers to local pubs and clubs. This proved profitable until a change in crossborder shopping laws allowed a freer movement of stock. Unable to compete with the larger breweries, Steve reinvented his business in 1997 and formed GBL International, with a focus on owning his own brands. He noticed the popularity of ready to drink products with a gap in the market for a something different - a vodka based product – and VK was born. VK proved to be a great success and the business grew rapidly.

GBL was the Sunday Times third fastest growing UK company in 2003 and, in 2005, the renamed ‘Global Brands’ turned over £72m. Steve was named CBI Entrepreneur of the Year, as well as winning the Northern Entrepreneur of the Year.

Steve’s business success has allowed him to enjoy his passion for rallying and build an enviable

in the Ginetta series, following Sebastian into circuit racing. “We thought Seb should probably go to the next step in order to improve his knowledge of car set up and tactics. Racing seemed to offer more than continuing with the junior rally championship.”

The youngster made his debut in the Ginetta Junior series, for 14 to 17 years old, in the season finale at Brands Hatch and now looks forward to a full season in the series supporting the BTCC. “I didn’t fancy being stood there on the pit wall all weekend watching Seb,” added Steve. “I think Seb’s chosen to go circuit racing because certainly there are more opportunities in racing and, if he goes back to rallying, I am sure it is going to be beneficial to his rallying career. I thought I should try it for a season, but my heart will always be in rallying.”

Steve made his own circuit debut at Snetterton in November, taking advantage of a wet qualifying

“It was great getting a pole, it certainly suited me in the wet. I love driving a car sideways and the racing drivers didn’t seem to be able to cope in the wet weather.”

Chesterfield rally champion Steve Perez Steve a record equalling fourth victory, having taken this event in 2006, 2009 and 2010.

Steve damaged the Focus’ chassis on stage 2 of the Nicky Grist Stages in Wales, but he still managed to record the fastest time on three stages to take third place behind Paul Bird and Aled Davies, who were emerging as the closest rivals to the Perez/Spooner partnership. The following day Team Perez scored a second podium as 14-year old Sebastian took third in the junior event, before going on to finish fourth in the Junior Rally Championship. A broken handbrake hampered Steve’s progress in the early stages of the Woodpecker Rally, but he recovered in the later

Steve Perez in spectacular action in his Ford Focus WRC07.

Global Brands business was to take up much of Steve’s time and he was away from the sport for some years. When he returned, initially it was as a way of promoting some of his company’s products.

Steve was very competitive and won the British Historic Championship and, later, three national titles. Trained as a chef, Steve worked in the family restaurant until his father died and the restaurant was sold. He spent time working in the hotel and

collection of classic rally cars, but which is his favourite? “I suppose the Lancia Stratos,” Steve replies. “I remember watching it out in the forests in Yorkshire when I was a teenager, and it has been so difficult to get the car running reliably and efficiently. The car always evokes such passion and interest from the fans. I suppose in lots of ways it is so unique, it’s my baby.” Whilst Steve’s main focus for 2015 will remain rallying, he will also take

session to grab pole position for one of the races, before the track dried and he took third place in the race. “It was great getting a pole, it certainly suited me in the wet. I love driving a car sideways and the racing drivers didn’t seem to be able to cope in the wet weather. I wondered why I kept driving past them! I really enjoyed the wheel banging and bumper banging. It was a bit like karting but with big karts!” The JHR team from Dronfield will be preparing both family cars for the races. Steve was impressed with the Ginetta G55 he drove at Snetterton. “The car felt very fast, and surprisingly for such a big car. There seemed to be less room inside than in the Stratos!”

The season begins at Brands Hatch on 5th April and visits Donington Park two weeks later. Steve will be hoping for a good show on his home circuit, but is realistic about his chances in the championship.

“The events are very competitive and there are going to be some young wannabe racing drivers. If I can be middle of the grid I’ll be happy with that. I’m doing it more for the experience and fun rather than having any great ambitions of being a racing driver and hopefully it will improve my tarmac driving.”

Page 62. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

FIVE YEARS SINCE DONINGTON CLOSED, KEVIN WHEATCROFT LOOKS BACK

Kevin Wheatcroft

Kevin Wheatcroft surveys the current Donington Park.

F

ive years ago Donington Park race circuit was closed, partly dug up and unable to stage race meetings. The Formula 1 dream was over, circuit owner Tom Wheatcroft had passed away and his son Kevin was left to pick up the pieces. Donington Park was in a real mess. Kevin was handed back the keys to the circuit on Christmas Eve 2009, but the staff had all been laid off and, as 2010 dawned, he faced a daunting task of trying to return the circuit to its former glory, as his father had in the 1970s.

After much hard work the circuit would reopen late in 2010 and now, five years on, is thriving

once again. Reflecting on those dark times, Kevin Wheatcroft has spoken exclusively to the Derbyshire Guardian. “In many ways it doesn’t feel like five years. I have tended to look at what we are doing here with a business hat on, rather than with a motorsports enthusiast’s hat, because if it doesn’t work out financially it’s not going to benefit anybody. Every time we spend a penny here it has been looking at the future, so we need to spend it in the right direction and do the right thing. The feedback generally, from the fans, is that we have done the right thing. Everyone has recognised the improvements and there are plenty more to come.”

Tom Wheatcroft opened his Donington Park in 1977, a new circuit constructed partly on the course that had witnessed the epic Grands Prix of 1937 and 1938 with the mighty German ‘Silver Arrows’.

His dream of returning Formula 1 to Donington came true in 1993 when, at short notice, he was offered the ‘European’ Grand Prix for that year. On a dreadfully wet Sunday in April, Ayrton Senna won a classic encounter, one of the greatest drives of Tom Wheatcroft was the heart and soul of his career.

Donington.

It was only when Simon Gillett and Lee Gill took over the lease to the circuit, in 2007, that there was a hint of a possible return of F1. Silverstone’s license to stage the British Grand Prix would soon run out, head of F1 Bernie Ecclestone seemed at odds with Silverstone owners, the British Racing Drivers Club, and Gillett would not rule out wanting to bring the race here. The whole motor racing world was, however, caught off-guard when the announcement came, on the eve of the 2008 race, that the Grand Prix would return to Donington in 2010 with a ten year deal, longer than any Silverstone had ever secured.

Things quickly began to turn sour, though. Lee Gill was, by now, long departed and Gillett was finding it hard to raise the £100 million he needed to stage the race. “They were trying to raise money at a time when it couldn’t have been more difficult,” said Kevin.

“The money wasn’t there and it was never going to be. I’ve since met virtually everybody involved and it is apparent that nobody trusted him.” 2009 was spent failing to meet a series of deadlines before Ecclestone’s patience finally ran out and called in the administrators.

Tom Wheatcroft quietly spent these final few months suffering from cancer, and died within a week of the plug being pulled. “I’m pretty sure that the whole thing shortened his life, without a doubt,” said Kevin. “ The thing I can never really find it in my heart to forgive is that I should have been with him every day while he was dying – and I couldn’t because I was here, trying to get our possessions back.”

The circuit was now undriveable, cut through by 14 trenches, part of an archaeological investigation below the course of the proposed F1 start/finish straight. Kevin described this as wanton vandalism, but a larger task lay ahead as the governing body of the Motor Sports Association also demanded changes. Annual MSA updates to the track had been put off, as the F1 circuit would exceed their

requirements, but now the circuit fell below MSA standards. Donington would have much to do to regain its licence, including extending the run-off at certain corners and modify the layout for the National Circuit chicane.

“Obviously with the circuit closing we lost all our historic ‘grandfather’ rights, so it was a start again situation,” said Kevin. “I suppose in hindsight it was a good thing, because it meant we had to do certain things rather than stick with what was already there.

It was a gut-blow financially that we could have done without, but we did it.”

“Losing Tom was a difficult thing because you had no guidance. Everything had to be what you wanted to do rather than feedback through the old man, who had been here since day one. So you kept looking over your shoulder and hoping you were doing the right thing. We, as a team, worked incredibly hard, the result shows today that we are open, the place is bigger and better than what it was and things are continuously improving. It was five years of hard work, so we can look back now and relax a little bit

and be proud of what we have all achieved.”

Work continued through the summer and the first car meeting was the Masters Historic event over the weekend of 4th/5th September 2010. The circuit unveiled its new chicane, some 80m ahead of the old Goddard’s chicane, giving plenty of run-off.

Kevin also recreated a piece of history, reopening the circuit perched on the side of the same Lotus F1 car with which his father opened the track in 1977.

Kevin is deeply aware of his father’s legacy, the name Wheatcroft will forever be synonymous with Donington, but he was not sure that he was the one to take the circuit forward. “I have the same love for it my father had,” he said at the time, “but I realise it’s now time for someone else to take it to a new level. I want to make sure that there is not another mistake made for Donington; I don’t want to see her damaged again.”

Whilst Kevin retained ownership rights, he was to appoint Christopher Tate as Managing Director late in 2011. Son of historic motorsport film maker John Tate, Mr Tate has motorsport in his blood and came with a wealth of experience, and contacts, having been a guiding light in the Masters Historic series.

“Chris I have known for some years and got on well with him,” said Kevin. “I approached him and asked him, the time was right in his life for another move and he’s proved a great team leader, produced

Kevin reopens the circuit aboard Nico Bindels JPS Lotus.

Derbyshire Guardian. Issue 26: Page 63.

Kevin reopens the circuit aboard Nico Bindels JPS Lotus. some great results here. From a day-to-day point of view, I can take a step back and know the circuit is in Christopher’s safe hands.”

Sadly, though, just four months later, Kevin was dealt another massive blow with the death of race director Robert Fearnall, Tom Wheatcroft’s right hand man since 1979. “Tom and Robert, they were the two guiding lights of my life in motorsport. With the naming of (the new) ‘Roberts’ (chicane) it is a permanent reminder of his presence here in the past.”

Two changes made to the circuit have met with universal approval. The ‘Roberts’ chicane found drivers searching for their brake-points in the early days, but the immediate reaction was that the circuit flows better now and a drainage issue was resolved over the first winter. “You never know when you alter

something, but I have driven it myself and it feels very, very natural. The trouble is, when you were used to a bend being where it was and then it’s been moved 80m closer, it can catch you out. I think everybody has adapted well to it. It works and flows like the rest of the circuit, it looks right and I think it has been generally accepted now.”

This new chicane now mirrors the ‘Foggy’s’ chicane that leads onto the Grand Prix loop, and the second apex, there, has been cut back allowing this chicane to flow better, too.

There was also the issue of the infield to resolve.

Little happened during 2009 and then, in the autumn, the earth-movers moved in and began reshaping the landscape for the course of the proposed infield circuit extension. This left much of the infield area out-of-bounds to spectators once the circuit reopened, including the popular bank over-looking the Old Hairpin. This has been reshaped over the past two winters and Kevin looks forward to being able to make it accessible again. “We are just waiting for nature to grass it over and we can start using it. We have a bit more work on roads and services in there, but it’s going to be a very, very usable area now.”

“I’d like to think that the infrastructure is reasonably complete, but there is room for improvement on everything.

We have a huge list of winter Trenches across both legs of the Melbourne Loop work, as the year progresses in 2010

Five years ago the circuit was undriveable. the list increases and get bigger and bigger, so we are never going to run out of work. It’s a good thing because it focuses on what we can afford to do, where we are going to get the immediate benefits, where the fans are going to get the benefits both from viewing and access points of view. We make it count.”

“We are planning to finish the tunnel between McLeans and Coppice, (begun in 2009) which

“It’s a good thing because it focuses on what we can afford to do, where we are going to get the immediate benefits, where the fans are going to get the benefits both from viewing and access points of view. We make it count.” needs a tidy up and that will be the fans way into the new infield plateau. We want to improve the condition of the roads and also the appearance of the tunnel so that it feels like a proper entrance.”

All this comes ahead of the return of MotoGP, for 2015 only. Donington Park hosted the event from 1987 to 2009 before MotoGP signed a five year deal with Silverstone. The Circuit of Wales, still under construction, is scheduled to host the British round of the MotoGP Championship until 2024 after agreeing a five-year contract with the option of a further five year extension. Kevin is delighted.

“That’s something we worked hard at positioning

ourselves for, and we are running it in partnership with the Circuit of Wales. I’m seriously looking forward to that. The track will be resurfaced for that and we will try and bring forward the next two years’ worth of improvements so that what is seen on the day… we want to fly every flag we’ve got. It’s lovely to get that race back home, I want everyone that attends to feel the same way.”

Kevin was also pleased for Donington to be selected as the home to the FIA’s new Formula E all-electric race series which has seen state-of-the-art facilities built in the Western Paddock.

“Formula E was another long battle to get on board and it has completely changed the top end of the paddock. They’re great people to be associated with and are truly part of the team, now, and long may they reign.”

Tom Wheatcroft may have left this world disappointed to know his beloved Donington Park was in ruins, but his son has worked tirelessly to restore the dream, without ever having the time to grieve properly. What would Tom have made of Kevin’s efforts? “Whether he’s pleased or not… he was always one of those characters that, no matter what you did, it could always be done better.

I’m forever looking over my shoulder and hearing his voice. I would like to think he was proud, but whether we’ve done enough to keep him happy, that’s another thing.”

Kevin Wheatcroft was speaking to Derbyshire Guardian before the news was announced that Donington would not host the 2015 MotoGP (See Below)

DONINGTON NOT TO HOST MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX

D

onington Park will not now host the 2015 British Motorcycle Grand Prix after the circuit was unable to complete an agreement with the Circuit of Wales. The new CoW signed a long term contract, with series owners Dorna SL, to stage the race from 2015 but the circuit, near Ebbw Vale, is still under construction. Donington was named, last year, as the venue to hold the 2015 race.

The MotoGP race was held at Donington annually from 1987 before it moved to Silverstone in 2010.

The Donington management team were delighted when the news that they were to stage the 2015 race was announced and much effort has gone towards the preparation of the circuit for the new season.

Christopher Tate

“The whole Donington team, who have worked so hard here over the past six months to fulfil our

part of the MotoGP planning, are as disappointed as those many fans who wanted to see the event return to Donington Park,” said Donington managing director Christopher Tate.

rebuilt so much of this facility and its global reputation in the years since 2010, under new ownership and management, and we are not going to risk all that, nor risk affecting the quality

“The whole Donington team, who have worked so hard here over the past six months to fulfil our part of the MotoGP planning, are as disappointed as those many fans who wanted to see the event return to Donington Park” “The position we are now in is, of course, frustrating and uncomfortable for all concerned.

We have our overall business, our staff and their futures to consider, as well as our concerns for the fans. We have

of the MotoGP fans’ experience.

Looking after the fans is at the heart of what Donington does.”

“It is this week, way past any normal deadlines, when we - in partnership with CoW - would

have been committing to major expenditures. CoW have made it clear to us that they are not now in a position to complete, so we have to withdraw and end the planned arrangement.”

“As to the immediate future, the team here at Donington look forward to welcoming fans to the wide range of 2015 events at our circuit this season which will, of course, all go ahead as normal, starting with great motorcycle racing on the Easter Weekend.”

Spectators who have already purchased tickets via Donington Park and their agency See Tickets are fully protected, with all ticket monies held safely in an independent escrow account.

They will therefore automatically receive a full refund of the amount spent on their tickets, within 10 working days, if bought via See Tickets’ automated system, or by application.

Page 64. Issue 26: Derbyshire Guardian

Sport

www.derbyshireguardian.co.uk

ARENA TO HOST ELITE BADMINTON FIXTURES Derby’s brand new Arena is to host Team Derby’s first home fixtures in the new elite National Badminton League. Team Derby will take on Milton Keynes Badminton, at Derby Arena, on Monday 23rd March in front of a 780 strong crowd, with the event also broadcast live on Sky Sports.

A second fixture will see the visit of the University of Nottingham team on Monday 27th April.

The opening fixture will be the first opportunity for the paying public to experience the city’s new flagship venue. It has been described by Derby City Council as a ‘soft opening event’ which will enable them to check all is working well within the Arena, prior to a full opening of facilities to the public.

The University of Derby’s Team Derby is one of six universitybased franchises starting out in the new National Badminton League, which will feature the country’s top players.

Olympian Donna Kellogg MBE leads a Derbyshire squad that includes the UK No.1 ranked men’s singles player Rajiv Ouseph, Olympic Silver Medalist Gail Emms and Commonwealth

Games athletes including Kate Robertshaw; Andy Ellis and Martin Campbell.

Kellogg said: “We have some exceptional badminton players representing University of Derby - Team Derby and it is a fantastic opportunity for local sport fans to see world class badminton in a world class venue. We are hoping we can attract a large and lively crowd to Derby Arena to support Team Derby to victory.”

“It is the fastest racket sport and with a new game format for the league, a unique scoring system and dynamic in-game features its sure to be an entertaining evening for all involved,” she added.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to watch some of Europe’s best badminton players here in Derby,” said Councillor Alison Martin, cabinet member responsible for leisure. “With Sky Sports cameras firmly fixed on Derby Arena, it’s a brilliant opportunity to cement our place on the sporting map.”

Tickets range from £5 to 15 and are on sale now, available at http://tickets.sky.com/ Badminton/Team-Derby

Donna Kellogg.

Derby’s new Arena.

LEON HASLAM ENDS 5-YEAR DROUGHT Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Chaz Davies (Aruba Ducati SBK) by just 0.010s after another epic final lap.

Smalley rider Haslam, who went into the weekend confident of a result after outstanding preseason testing, had also given Aprilia their 50th WSBK victory.

“This race win brings back great memories,” admitted Haslam. “My last win was at Kyalami in 2010 after a great battle with Rea. “My compliments to my team.

They did a great job all weekend.

In race one unfortunately made a

Leon Haslam heading for victory in race 2, leading Davies and Rea. Leon Haslam has ended a fiveyear win drought with victory in race two of the opening World Superbike Championship round at Phillip Island in Australia.

On his debut for the Red Devils

Aprilia team Haslam followed up a close second place in race one to lead the championship points jointly with Jonathan Rea. Haslam began race one on the front row, having qualified third,

and followed Rea home by 0.039s even after running off track on the exit of Stoner corner.

Race two was even more unpredictable with Haslam snatching the victory ahead of

Haslam returns to the top step.

“I started race two even more motivated to win. Despite feeling like I had less in reserve after the halfway point, everything went according to plan.” mistake and ran across the grass but luckily I felt like I had a wide enough margin and I was able to rejoin the pack and finish second

in the final dash by just a few thousandths.

“I started race two even more motivated to win. Despite feeling

like I had less in reserve after the halfway point, everything went according to plan. In the last turn I opened up the throttle at the right time and I realised that I had overtaken Rea straight away right on the finish line. I am truly happy to finally be back on the top step of the podium!”

Derby’s Alex Lowes had a disappointing weekend, finishing race 1 eleventh on his Voltcom Crescent Suzuki before retiring from race 2.