Author: Dom Stevens

Ballerinas En Pointe with The Nutcracker at Chatsworth for Launch of its Christmas Season

The Nutcracker was joined by Clara, The Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen ballerinas at Chatsworth for the opening of The Nutcracker themed festive season, which opened this weekend and is running until 3 January 2017.

Attracting more than 100,000 visitors during the festive season, Christmas at Chatsworth has become one of the must do events for families across the region. With the house transformed into The Nutcracker, this year is set to be more magical than ever.

Christmas at Chatsworth will transport everyone to a fairytale world populated by Nutcracker soldiers; elegant ballerinas and dancing snowflakes. All the important characters are represented – from the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Nutcracker and Clara – as the story unfolds in a series of stunning tableaux throughout the house. As well as the room guides dressed in characters costumes, a ballet dancer will be present each day, adding a touch of magic to the stunning story.

In the tale, a box of performing toys charms the children and adults alike, but it is the Nutcracker doll that enchants Clara the most. As the curtain rises on Christmas Eve, visitors will be able to share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by the Nutcracker Prince to a wonderful place where the magic really begins.

Along the way, the beautifully dressed rooms will tell the story of The Nutcracker with all the classic scenes from Clara’s dream; from the waltz of the snowflakes to the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Janet Bitton, Head Housekeeper at Chatsworth House, said:-

“The Land of Sweets in the Great Dining Room is the highlight for me. The only light is from the chandelier, like a moon above the city with its twinkling lights through the windows, and the glow from the huge Christmas trees in each corner is magical.”

In a clever twist, the visitor is able to experience the story as though they are both in the audience at the theatre and stepping backstage at the ballet. Guides become stage managers and wardrobe mistresses.

For a special added thrill, visitors of all ages are invited to enter into the magic of the story and try on one of the specially made costumes created by the inhouse textiles team, who have also made all the costumes for the room guides from flower fairies and outfits for the residents of the Land of Sweets to opera capes for the men and Victorian skirts for the women.

There will be an opportunity to enjoy an evening visit on selected dates for the month before Christmas, as the house will be open until 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays from 24 November until 16 December.

As well as the main event in the house, there is a whole host of festive themed activity around the estate from truly magical nativity performances in the farmyard starring the farm animals, to gourmet evenings, floral workshops and wreath making demonstrations.

The annual Christmas Market located on Lodge Hill takes place from 12 to 30 November with more than 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, crafts, homeware, seasonal produce, toiletries and clothing as well seasonal food and drink to enjoy on site or take home. Christmas Market parking is priced £5 weekdays; £10 weekends but is free when combined with a visit to the house or garden pre-booked online.

nut-cracker-0014land

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas

New 90,000 sq.ft warehouse planned for Markham Vale

There are proposals for a further development on the northern phase of Markham Vale.   A planning application for the development of a 90,000 sq.ft warehouse has been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council for consideration.

The development is on target to create up to 4,100 jobs when finished.

This new application follows the latest businesses to join Markham Vale which include Great Bear Distribution and Ferdinand Bilstein UK which are both set to create up to 400 new jobs over the next few years.

The site is now home to 40 local, national and international businesses and has brought over 900 jobs to the area so far.

Existing occupiers include, Meter Provida, inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

markham

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

More jobs on the way as Markham Vale partnership renewed

A commitment to bring business, create jobs and boost the local economy has been renewed  as Derbyshire County Council have signed a new four-year partnership with Henry Boot Developments for the continued growth of Markham Vale.

The Sheffield-based firm were appointed in 2003 as private sector property partner to develop the former Markham colliery into a flagship regeneration site. The development is on target to create up to 4,100 jobs when finished.

The latest businesses to join Markham Vale include Great Bear Distribution and Ferdinand Bilstein UK which are both set to create up to 400 new jobs over the next few years.

The site is now home to 40 local, national and international businesses and has brought over 900 jobs to the area so far.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said:

“Our partnership with Henry Boot Developments has been very successful to date and we’re delighted to sign another four-year agreement with them to take Markham Vale onto its final stages of development.”The site plays a key role in providing jobs for local people, helping businesses to grow and boosting Derbyshire’s economy which are all key priorities of ours.

“Markham’s excellent transport links being located just off junction 29A of the M1 continues to attract businesses and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more companies to the site in the next few months.”

Existing occupiers include, Meter Provida, inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Vivienne Clements, Director at Henry Boot Developments commented:

“We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Derbyshire County Council for a further four years. Our strong partnership has enabled us to establish Markham Vale as an unrivalled business and logistics hub in the region, and it is a testament to our success to date.”We have achieved a lot this year with the completion of Great Bear Distribution’s unit, the commencement of the Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s facility and we have a number of deals in the pipeline which we will deliver over the next 12 months.”

Markham Vale Henry Boot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Community unites to promote five ways to mental wellbeing at Chesterfield College

Students from across Chesterfield College were given top tips to look after their own mental wellbeing yesterday at a special event hosted in the college’s Heartspace. The event showed how doing five things in everyday life and in the local community can support mental health and wellbeing.

Health and social care students from the college worked with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire County Council to design the event, where healthcare professionals and local volunteer community groups came together to promote the Connect 5 approach, which highlights five ways to wellbeing: being active, connecting with the people around you, noticing the positives, learning and giving.

Students had the opportunity to try a wide range of free workshops, looking at everything from creative arts to how diet can affect mood.

Karen Wheeler, Acting Divisional Lead Occupational Therapist from Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:-

“The aim of this event was to help students understand that their mental wellbeing is as important as their physical wellbeing and consider how they can look after this at the same time as giving them a tool kit to do this.”

“We are working hard to break down barriers and change attitudes towards mental health that can hinder recovery. Connecting with organisations in the local community like Chesterfield College and the voluntary sector groups helps us to do that.”

Central to the planning of the event, and to the day itself, were a number of volunteers who have received mental health services through Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust who shared their experiences and practical tips with students.

One of these volunteers said:-

“Chesterfield College have openly come out to support us, as have their students. Both the students and staff are amazing ambassadors. Through this network we are building hope and strength to combat everyday issues, making friends, learning trust and responsibility, and improving self-esteem so that we can go out and stand tall.”

Stuart Allen, Director of Learning, Health, Wellbeing and Society at Chesterfield College, said:-

“Congratulations to everyone involved in organising the event today. It was a practical and inspiring event that has helped many people with their own mental health and wellbeing. The students involved in organising the event are the next generation of healthcare professionals who will be delivering mental health services in the future which is why it is so important to give them this type of experience to develop vital skills that they can’t learn in a classroom and they can take into their working lives.”

chesterfield college

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield designer announced as finalist in Derbyshire Times Business Awards

Local design company and Chesterfield Champion, Jumble Creative Design, have recently been announced as finalists in the Derbyshire Times Business Awards.

The Chatsworth Road based designers are entered in the Innovation Category following their expansion in to wide-format and vinyl printing.

This new print and cut technology enables Jumble to offer a wide range of products including posters, pop up displays and banners, window graphics, vehicle graphics, signage, cut vinyl, packaging labels and stickers.

Jumble has also undertaken training to learn new skills, as part of their innovative approach to design, offering clients services to partner with these product including the application of window and vehicle graphics, sign making and mounting wide format graphics to board and other substrates.

With an innovative focus, Jumble are attracting the attention of other innovative local businesses, having recently worked with local food producer, and Food and Drink Awards winner, Teresa Lambarelli to re-brand her packaging.

Andrew Everitt, Owner of Jumble Creative Design, said:-

“Like us, Teresa is always looking for ways to improve her offer, regularly developing and creating new tastes. We were able to create a new look design, a quick turanound and offer a flexible approach to quantity depending on stock levels.

“We are always looking for creative and innovative ways to meet the customer needs.”

Their focus on innovation has allowed Jumble to grow bigger year on year. Projects they have recently worked on include designing print and commemorative beer labels for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and producing vinyl graphics for Chesterfield Theatres.

 

 

Andrew Everitt - Jumble Creative Graphic Design

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chamber announces new President at AGM

East Midlands Chamber has announced Geoff Poyzer as its President for 2016/17.

He received the chains of office from outgoing President Jean Mountain at the Chamber’s annual general meeting this morning.

Geoff is Managing Director for the Highways Division at North Midland Construction PLC, a national contractor with a turnover in excess of £225m, and has expertise in managing large construction projects at director level.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from Nottingham Trent University, Geoff has been employed by NMC, located in north Nottinghamshire, for over 28 years.

He has been a member of the Chamber Board since October 2008.

Geoff, a married father of two grown-up children, who lives in Nottingham with his wife Jacqueline, said:-

“It is an honour and privilege to be elected President of the biggest business-representative body in the Midlands and one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the country.

“I would like to extend my personal thanks to Jean Mountain, my predecessor, for choosing me as her deputy for the past year and for all her hard work during her 12 months in office.

“I promise to uphold the dignity of this office and to be the best ambassador that I can be for the Chamber, for the region and for business generally.”

He said he had four areas on which he wants to focus during his year in office – Brexit, the difference between management and leadership, helping business to keep pace with the rapidly changing world of technology and promoting the ‘great’ East Midlands as a great place to live and work– all areas where the Chamber is already active.

“I make no apology for slipping ‘great’ in there. I was born and bred in this region and truly believe it to be great.”

Geoff also intends to back devolution, by supporting the Midlands Engine for Growth and Midlands Connect, and locally-focused education systems.

Robert Mayo, Development Director for the Welbeck Estate, where his role is to bring about the transformation of one of the most significant groups of listed buildings in the East Midlands, has been elected Vice-President for 2017.

He is a graduate in Art History from the University of Nottingham and has a Master’s degree in Conservation Studies.

Board changes announced at the AGM include the appointment of Steve Midgeley and Hari Punchihewa as Directors and the retirement of Past-President Liz Fothergill, who was this year made High Sheriff of Derbyshire, and Richard Horsley, Managing Director at QED Public Relations.

Steve is the founder and Managing Director of Chamber member Fairgrove Homes and Hari is Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director at the University of Derby. Both were co-opted to the Board in August.

Directors David Merifield, Ian Greenaway and Richard Wilkins have been re-elected unopposed to the Board.

chamber-press-land

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

WCEC Architects to speak at leading European Student Housing Conference

A Chesterfield based architect is to deliver a keynote speech at a European conference on the remarkable change in how students live.

Nick Riley, Design Director at WCEC, at Sheepbridge, Chesterfield,  has been at the forefront in the evolution of student housing in the UK for more than ten years, delivering more than 18,000 beds.

He said:-

“This is a significant conference. Gone are the days of basic, functional and high density accommodation led by ageing university halls of residence lacking imagination.

“I believe we are now heading towards a new era of student living, potentially with a more ‘raw urban’ look satisfying the next generation of students who will be the most formally educated, most technology supplied and the wealthiest ever.”

Nick, one of the executive architects behind the world’s biggest co-living space in London, will speak at ‘The Class of 2020’ European Student Housing conference in Vienna, Austria on Thursday (Nov 3rd). The two-day annual conference attracts hundreds of delegates, including a large UK contingent, involved in developing student housing.

Nick will present a UK perspective outlining how student housing has changed in the last ten years to respond to students’ needs, demands and aspirations. He will also explore ideas for what we might see in student housing over the next ten years.

Nick said:-

“Student housing is now a mature asset class in the UK and attracts and generates millions of pounds’ worth of investment for the economy.

“I’m very pleased to be speaking at this conference as the UK is regarded as the leader in this sector globally. I believe student housing will continue to grow and evolve and we are outlining our vision for the future at the event.

“Key themes of my talk will include better and more efficient ways of building, greater integration of technology and connectivity, greater flexibility of living spaces and amenity space.

“The boundaries between University campus and where students live are increasingly blurred; modern student housing developments need to provide a much greater range of facilities and services for residents to live, rest, exercise, socialise, work and play.”

wcec-architects_press-image

Posted in Business

New IT partner for Spireites

The Spireites are delighted to announce SBK Computers as their new IT partner.

SBK Computers, who are based in Chesterfield, have been engaged to maintain the IT system at the Proact Stadium.

Chris Turner, Chesterfield FC Chief Executive, said:-

“I am delighted to award SBK Computers with the contract to look after the total IT system for the stadium, including The HUB, which is operated by the Community Trust.

“We have been working very closely with Steve Coe and his team for a while now and Steve is also a keen supporter and valued sponsor of the club.”

Ashley Carson, Chesterfield FC Director and Company Secretary, added:-

“I have been very impressed with the technical expertise of the staff at SBK and we are looking forward to working more closely with them.

“IT is a crucial part of our business and it is vital that we have a solid, reliable company we can rely on. There have been many errors in the past with the IT in the stadium and it is reassuring that we can now place our trust in Steve and his team.”

Steve Coe, Managing Director of SBK Computers, said:-

“We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to support our local football club and the process will now begin to look at all aspects of IT and communications at the stadium.

“We need to determine what can be improved and more importantly, what cost savings can be introduced from the massive overspend when the stadium was built.”

SBK Computers, who have successfully delivered IT Solutions since 1998, have been a dedicated long-term sponsor of the club.

cfc sbk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Contemporary new serve for Hooper’s star flavour

Brilliantly British drinks brand Hooper’s, developed by Chesterfield based business Global Brands, is set to enter the growing RTS (Ready to Serve) can market with their leading flavour, Dandelion and Burdock. The new format gives the traditional British favourite a modern twist in a more convenient, non-glass serve.

With three quarters of Hooper’s main consumer base aged 23 years and above, the brand has capitalised on this insight, launching a stylish sleek can format. The newly created 250ml can has a beautiful glossy finish and has been designed especially to stand out on shelf.  It also highlights the provenance of its ingredients, including hand-picked English dandelions and burdock thistle roots.

Justin Horsman, Marketing Controller at Hooper’s, says:-

“We’re really pleased with the development of our new can serve for Dandelion and Burdock, which is a national favourite. It means our consumers can now enjoy it at a variety of social events including typical British outdoor drinking occasions such as picnics, BBQs and festivals, all of which represent the brand perfectly”.

Hooper’s is a range of sparkling alcoholic fruit brews, which were first launched by William Hooper, one of the original British drinks pioneers, in 1817. Today’s range is gluten free, uses traditional British recipes and all natural flavours to create a more modern and refined RTD with true British heritage.

hoopers-db-can-land

Posted in Business

Ashgate Hospicecare host celebrity chef at Sparkle Walk launch event

Ashgate Hospicecare is proud to announce it has officially launched the Markovitz Showroom Sparkle Night Walk, due to take place in July 2017.

The launch event, which took place at the Markovitz Showroom based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield on Saturday 29th October, gave the public the opportunity to sign up to next year’s walk, all whilst enjoying numerous dishes served up by the celebrity chef.

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser, said:-

“We are already really excited about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and are really pleased to be able to invite people to secure their place for next year.

“It’s wonderful to have Markovitz Showroom as our sponsors for next year’s event and we couldn’t think of anywhere better than to launch in their showroom.”

Anybody who signs up in the showroom on Sheffield Road will also have the chance to win Afternoon Tea for 6 at the Merchant Yard worth over £100.

Celebrity chef Peter Sidwell cooked numerous dishes for everyone who attended the showroom. He said:-

“It has been so much fun to bring lots of different ingredients down with me. It’s been like a real life Saturday Kitchen, people sat round talking and chatting, it’s kind of how a kitchen should be.”

“Good luck to everyone with the walk. I will be thinking of you all. The hospice is looking for over 3,000 entrees this year, so everyone please get signed up!”

Click here for more information about the 2017 Markovitz Showroom Sparkle Night Walk.

ashgate-hopsice-markovitz

Posted in About Chesterfield

Law firm Banner Jones bolsters business legal services team

Law firm and Chesterfield Champions, Banner Jones, have further bolstered its established business legal services division with the appointment of Director and Solicitor Cathy Thomas, as well as Associate Solicitor Sam Matkin.

Joining the firm’s Sheffield-based Commercial Property team Cathy brings with her more than 10-years’ experience advising on matters including freehold and long leasehold sales, acquisitions and leasing.

Having studied at Liverpool University before joining Nabarro, and subsequently BRM Law, Cathy has particular expertise in landlord and tenant work, as well as asset management in the shopping centre and industrial estates arena.

Associate Solicitor Sam Matkin has also joined the firm’s growing Business Legal Services division and is based at its Chesterfield headquarters.

The announcement follows recent international recognition for Banner Jones as part of this year’s Legal 500 – the most comprehensive worldwide coverage on recommended law firms broken down by area of specialism – in which its family law and personal injury teams ranked for the fourth consecutive year.

Chris Sellars, Executive Director and Head of Business Legal Services, said that the appointments would ‘further strengthen’ Banner Jones’ award winning legal services team, as well as ensure that the firm was well placed to meet growing demand from a rapidly expanding Sheffield City Region-based business community.

He said:-

“Cathy is a welcome addition to our established commercial property team – bringing with her considerable expertise and experience, and further bolstering our ability to meet increased demand fuelled by an ever expanding business community based within the Sheffield City Region.

“Similarly, the support that Sam will bring to our Chesterfield-based team will be most valued, and we very much look forward to welcoming them both.”

Banner Jones also received regional recognition recently when it was awarded an East Midlands Chamber Business Award for Excellence in Customer Service.

banner-jones

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

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