More jobs are on the horizon for a flagship regeneration site after work began to expand operations for a Derbyshire food company.
Holdsworth, which has been operating since 1969 and supplies caterers across the UK, set up a base on Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale site four years ago.
Now the family run firm is expanding its operations at Markham with a new warehouse and cold store, which is eventually expected to bring up to 30 jobs.
Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said: “It is great news that Holdsworth, a long-standing Derbyshire company, has decided to expand its operations at our Markham Vale site – potentially bringing another 30 jobs.
“This is the latest exciting news for Markham Vale which is showing extremely positive signs with more and more companies making it their home because of its location in the centre of England and its excellent transport links.”
Initially the new premises will be used by Holdsworth staff while the company’s base at Tideswell undergoes maintenance work. Once the work at Tideswell is complete, the company plans to operate from both depots – creating additional jobs at Markham Vale.
Director Rupert Holdsworth said: “We chose to expand our operation at Markham Vale based on the quality of build at our existing site and also due to the excellent transport links and ease of access to the site.”
The county council has invested £77m to reclaim the former mining area at Markham, between Chesterfield and Bolsover, with the long term aim of creating 5,000 jobs.
It is working with development partner Henry Boot Development Limited to attract companies to the site.
Ben Ward, Senior Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Development Limited, said: “It’s great news that Holdsworth, an established Derbyshire company has chosen to expand at Markham Vale. We are also in detailed discussions with a number of other occupiers and hope to be able to release details soon.”
Last month Markham Vale received a £14.2m boost after successfully bidding for Government cash to turn dormant sites into prime economic land.
The funding will be used to develop the northern part of the Markham Vale site, including a new link road, where the former Seymour Colliery site once stood.
Markham Vale has been granted Enterprise Zone status by the Government, meaning firms moving to some areas of the site can apply for Enhanced Capital Allowances – offering tax relief for major investment in plant and machinery.
Source: Derbyshire County Council
