We are delighted to be a Chesterfield Champion and to have such an influential representative, Matt bust, our Business Support Manager, at Woodhead Group.
To enhance the importance of becoming a Chesterfield Champion, Derbyshire Times have featured an article about Matt himself and our business, Woodhead Group, in the Champions Column. Find out more in the Q&A below!
“Every column completed will remind local people and businesses that together, we are stronger. Let’s shout even louder about Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, showcase our wonderful businesses and people and create many smiles as possible.”
Introduction to Matt and the Business:
I was born in Chesterfield, quite literally around the corner from the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre project and have lived in the Chesterfield are my whole life. It is a fantastic town with so much to offer. Most of my working life has been spent outside of the area so to be given the opportunity to work in my home town and to be able to give something back on such a fantastic project is something I am very proud of.
The Woodhead Group has three businesses and I am mainly involved in the construction side of things. We work on a wide range of projects from housing, sustainable offices, university buildings, work for local authorities and heritage and restoration.
We are passionate about being considerate constructors and I work with our staff and clients to engage with the community, deliver social value and support our skills and employment commitments on our projects.
1. How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?
- Opportunity
- Growth
- Potential
2. Describe something you have seen, heard about or experienced locally that has made you smile. (If you have a link to share, please do include it, so we can create more smiles locally).
Last year’s Pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre which I attended was fantastic. It really made me laugh and is well worth a visit if you have never been before. I go every year and it seems to get better every year.
3. How have you or your team been thinking creatively to keep your business succeeding or to maintain strong relationships with your customers and suppliers?
We are using local contractors to support us on the Northern Gateway project, which supports local jobs and boosts the local economy.
We are working in collaboration with our clients and partners and looking at new and innovative ways of working including the use of webinars and virtual meetings
4. What have you or your company been doing to support the mental health of your team?
Within the Woodhead Group we have a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders, myself being one of them. We have been visiting sites more regular and supporting individuals within the business.
Communication and support have been vital during this difficult time and to support this we have delivered a number of different initiatives. We have held virtual coffee mornings to keep people connected and updated whilst they are working from home. We also send out weekly update emails and monthly newsletters.
5. How are you, your business or your team supporting local people (or what are your plans to do this in the future)?
We are working on a number of initiatives as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Agenda to support local people. We have worked closely with Chesterfield College for a number of years, offering work experience placements, Apprenticeship Opportunities and careers support to students.
We are involved in the My Futures platform and the Mentoring Circles Programme with DWP.
We are also offering Apprenticeship positions and work experience placements.
We are using local contractors and supporting local employment on the Northern Gateway project.
We also employ a number of individuals who live in the Chesterfield area, including me.
6. Which business idea or community initiative has impressed you recently and why? (e.g. shown resilience, supported others, played a key role on social media etc.)
The My Futures platform is a fantastic, innovative tool to support local students with careers support during these difficult times where we are unable to visit schools in person. It has given us a fantastic platform to promote our industry, our business and the Apprenticeship vacancies we have with the company.
7. What is the best thing about working or running a business in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire?
Well I don’t run the business! But, being able to give something back to my local town is really inspirational. Chesterfield is really going places and I think with projects like the Northern Gateway it will help transform the town into an innovative, sustainable and above all enjoyable place to live and work.
Getting to work with a forward thinking organisation like Chesterfield Borough Council has been fantastic. While we are still only in the early stages of the project we have achieved a lot, despite the restrictions we have all faced.
8. What business or marketing support have you or your team received recently and how has it benefited your business?We are working closely with Destination Chesterfield and with Chesterfield Borough Councils marketing team to promote the Northern Gateway project. Its helping to raise our profile and the marketing support from Chesterfield has been really valued. We have even created a short video on the project which the Marketing Team at Chesterfield Borough Council helped to create.
LINK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYF6QEqK9uY
The town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in October 2020. What is your favourite memory of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire over the past 10 years?
There are two memories which immediately spring to mind. The first being notified we were the approved contractor for the exciting new Northern Gateway Development and the fact that me being a local lad, getting the opportunity to work on the project.
The second being the opening of the new football stadium which has transformed that particular area of the town and makes the match day experience fantastic.
9. What is your vision for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in 2030? What do you think the town needs to achieve this?
To attract more businesses to relocate to the area as it is a fantastic place to work.
Sustainability & skills development
#LoveChesterfield #LoveConstruction