Author: Dom Stevens

Chesterfield estate agent wins national awards for customer service

26th October 2023

Pinewood Properties win 7 awards at The ESTAS, the most prestigious awards in the UK property sector

The Chesterfield and Clowne based agency, Pinewood Property Estates received the Gold award in the Best 2-5 Branch Network in the UK at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2023, the biggest awards in the UK property industry.

The winners were announced at the Grosvenor House in London and hosted by the country’s favourite TV property presenter Phil Spencer in front of 1,000 guests.

Pinewood Chesterfield also went on to win Gold for Best Letting Agent in the East Midlands with the Clowne branch scooping Silver in the same category. This is an achievement that very few agents have achieved in the past. The Chesterfield branch finally went on to finish second and receive Silver for Best Letting Agent in the UK.

Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Property Estates said “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS. It means so much to us as we know it’s our customers who have judged our performance. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of our personal service, and this proves we are delivering what we promise. It’s amazing that our independent agency from Chesterfield can smash some of the big boys out of the water.”

Phil Spencer, who has hosted The ESTAS every year since their inception in 2003 addressed the live audience “Everyone one shortlisted here today has attained the ESTAS Standard of Excellence which is based purely on service ratings from customers at the end of the moving experience, giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to the end client. This is a great achievement in its own right so whatever unfolds this afternoon you should all be immensely proud.”

Living in Chesterfield

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield.

Recently rated the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, our town has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bustling market town or a picturesque village, Chesterfield boasts mix of contemporary and traditional housing.

Living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable too! According to Rightmove, the average house price in Chesterfield is at least £10,000 cheaper than Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

Find out more benefits of moving to Chesterfield.

Pinewood Properties supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Pinewood properties at ESTA awards ceremony

Pinewood Properties at the ESTA awards ceremony

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Property and Construction

Eco-friendly train launched in Chesterfield

25th October 2023

Positive Traction has launched the UK’s first re-engineered battery-powered shunting locomotive.

The eco-friendly train is free from carbon and particulate emissions.

Invited guests from the Railfreight sector, UK government & local authorities as well as rolling stock owners attended the launch at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield.

Alistair Gregory, Director of Positive Traction said: “Class 08 shunting locomotives have been the workhorses of ports, distribution centres and depots across Britain’s railway for over 60 years. As the UK moves towards Net Zero, diesel engines are increasingly unacceptable. To address this challenge, the 08e is a cost-effective battery-powered alternative for environmentally friendly facility operations.

“I’d like to thank all our partners for supporting our cleaner, greener UK transport vision, including Lithion Battery Inc. and Barrow Hill Limited.

Stagecoach Yorkshire and their partner Volvo, who supplied the latest electric Volvo BXL bus to bring guests from Chesterfield station to the launch in a sustainable way.”

After the launch, the eco-friendly train will remain on test at Barrow Hill before moving to a customer site for operational evaluation.

Rail Innovation in Chesterfield

Chesterfield has a history of innovation and is located at the heart of the UK’s largest rail cluster.

This will continue at Barrow Hill with the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle, which will be built as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The centre will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space, consisting of classroom and workshop training areas. Additionally, the centre will boast specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.

DRIIVe will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses. These companies will also have access to the latest research and innovation.

Eco-friendly train e-o8 on track at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

The 08E locomotive created by Positive Traction

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield barbershop named one of the best apprenticeship employers in the country

6th July 2023

Chesterfield barbershop, Less Than Zero has reached the top five in an annual list of the best SME apprenticeship employers nationwide.

The business, which is based on Soresby Street in the town centre, has ranked 5th in England by the Government for its outstanding commitment to apprenticeships.

The Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2023 recognises leading small & medium-sized apprenticeship employers across a range of criteria. These include the employer’s commitment to employing apprentices, its creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of its new apprentices, and the progression of its apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment.

Employers are ranked not just for the number of apprentices they take on but also for their commitment to diversity and apprenticeship achievements. A dedication to delivering high-quality apprenticeships plays a crucial role in boosting the skills and career opportunities of people from all backgrounds while plugging skills gaps and helping the economy to grow.

Martin Keyworth, owner of Less Than Zero Barbers said: “We are immensely proud to be in Chesterfield and bringing this accolade back to the town”

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Congratulations to all the employers which have been recognised for their brilliant apprenticeship programmes.”

“My apprenticeship was my golden ticket to a successful business career. These employers in digital, childcare and healthcare recognise the benefits apprentices can bring to their business, helping to create a talent pipeline and filling skills gaps to grow the economy.  I would encourage all businesses – regardless of size or sector – to follow their lead.”

Chesterfield has a commitment to supporting apprenticeships and has declared itself an Apprentice Town.   The Apprentice Town initiative has been developed by Chesterfield Borough Council and partners and seeks to develop Chesterfield as a leading apprenticeship destination.  It looks to grow individuals’ careers and futures alongside successful businesses and a growing local economy.

Apprentice Town aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher level apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the local economy.

Search for the latest vacancies in and around Chesterfield

Find out more about taking on apprentices in your business

Learn more about the Apprentice Town Campaign and how you could get involved

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Featured, Home

Blooming great market to celebrate Chesterfield In Bloom

5th July 2023

Chesterfield will host a special flower-themed market to celebrate its entry into the East Midlands In Bloom competition.

On Friday 14 July, a selection of local florists, independent makers and crafters, charities and food vendors will be trading on the market as Chesterfield competes in East Midlands in Bloom. There will also be street performers, Granny Turismo, and Saxophonist Paul Smith to help keep visitors entertained.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “East Midlands In Bloom is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our community and thank the volunteers who spend their spare time helping make sure our parks and green spaces look fantastic.

“We’re hosting this market to try and bring the whole town together behind our entry, and there will be lots of great stalls and activities that everyone can enjoy.”

Chesterfield has entered East Midlands In Bloom for the last 16 years but the best result came last year when the town took the top prize in the Small City Category.

Councillor Davies added: “It was incredible to take the top accolade last year and I hope that we can repeat our success this year. I’m looking forward to meeting the judges and helping to show them around our blooming brilliant town.”

The judging panel will be visiting sites across Chesterfield and meeting members of the community. They’ll be joined in the market place to take a look at the flower-themed market together with the Mayor of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield In Bloom Market Traders

There will be something for everyone to enjoy with additional traders confirmed for the market including:

Project D
Rixsters Pet beds
Bee Safe Supplies
Gypsy’s Brew Co
Eby’s Caribbean Food
Cup & Saucer
Jane’s Candles
Tina’s Make & Mend
Grandela Artisan Treats
Happy Arts
Wax Melts
Sunshine Forest School
Aurora Eco-Florist
Transition Chesterfield- seed swap
Sherlox Boutique
The Jade Elephant
Working for Wildlife
Sign of the Times
The Farm at Pilsley
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff
Jewellery
Crooked Pickle
Homemade Soaps
Avon
Boutique Clothing
The Wildlife Trust

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

East Midlands is bucking the national trend in economic performance, finds Chamber study

5th July 2023

While sticky inflation, rising interest rates and skills gaps continue to cause concerns for businesses across the UK, a new study suggests the East Midlands may be bucking the national trend.

Research from East Midlands Chamber shows firms across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire are performing well, with improvements reported in sales activity, cashflow and pricing expectations between April and June 2023.

The business representation group’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business, also showed a third consecutive quarterly fall in the number of businesses reporting difficulties in filling vacancies.

However, there is caution ahead as the survey also showed a decline in advanced orders, future recruitment and investment intentions. The Chamber says increasing business investment is crucial to driving up productivity in order to bring down prices and, thus, inflation.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “Against a backdrop of continued challenges facing businesses when it comes to stubbornly high inflation, low growth and Bank of England decision-making, the results from our second QES of the year gives us cause for optimism the East Midlands is bucking the trend and delivering a strong performance.

“While any growth is relative to what has come before in terms of how these results should be interpreted, responses to questions around concerns and events driving price pressures give further credibility to the argument that factors such as higher utility costs, inflated wage settlements and expensive fuel are all easing as problems for businesses during 2023.

“The percentage of firms reporting pressure to increase their own prices has fallen sharply, down to 36% – compared to 54% last quarter and 60% three quarters ago – with a corresponding growth in those looking to keep prices the same, suggesting many of the increased costs have now been passed on.

“While messaging from policymakers remains tentative, the mood music among businesses is much more positive, with 41% of firms now expecting their profitability to grow over the next quarter, an increase over the previous three quarters from 38%, 34% and 28% respectively. In contrast, those expecting a drop in profitability has fallen from 41% in Q3 2022 to 26% this quarter.

“We’re clearly not completely out of the woods yet – advanced orders saw a slight slowdown and investment intentions remain stubbornly low – however, the regional economy is continuing the pick-up that began at the start of this year. A more stable policy environment over recent months will have supported an improvement in sentiment.

“As we get closer to a general election, it’s important that politicians and institutions behave responsibly with regards to policy announcements and fiscal decisions. The UK economy has already defied the expectations of six months ago – it’s important to capitalise on this now and not do anything that may inadvertently rocking the boat.

“At the same time, it remains imperative that Government backs business by focusing on what we call the ‘four Is’ – investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade – all of which is laid out in our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond.”

East Midlands Chamber QES Q2 2023 data

Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2023 for the East Midlands*, which was completed by 340 organisations between 15 May and 9 June 2023, included:

UK and overseas sales grew by a net 4% and 8% respectively between the first and second quarters of the year, but advanced UK and overseas sales were down by 5% and 1% respectively

62% of businesses added to their headcount in Q2 2023, compared to 60% in the previous quarter and 57% before that
While recruitment is growing, problems persist also less intensely than previously – with seven in 10 businesses that attempted to recruit experiencing problems in filling roles, compared to eight in 10 at the end of last year
Rising prices resulting from cost pressures for energy, raw materials, people and fuel are easing, with a net 31% of businesses expecting they will be forced to raise their own prices – down from a net 52% in the previous quarter
While a net 2% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, there was an 11% positive swing compared to the first three months of the year
Investment intentions, having grown in Q1, are trending downwards again, with a 3% decrease quarter on quarter for both investment in plant and machinery, and investment in training
The trajectory of business confidence shows a mixed picture, with confidence in turnover prospects down by 1% compared to the previous quarter but up by 7% for profitability expectations.

In Derbyshire the results showed:

Uk Sales and UK Orders grew by 4% and 7% respectively whilst Overseas Sales remained static.
53% of businesses added to their headcount in Q2.

Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “Currently, business sentiment is cautious in relation to the domestic market, with sales falling compared to the previous quarter.

“The general outlook is consistent with views expressed in the previous quarter. Businesses involved in overseas markets also reflect this caution. The business environment is likely to be affected by mixed expectations in relation to future political leadership and monetary policy decision.

“There is no significant increase in recruitment, reflecting the hesitancy of many East Midlands businesses. Additionally, the shortage of employees applying for highly skilled full-time jobs highlights the importance of much-needed investment to upskilling the workforce, particularly regarding support from the educational institutions for local businesses.

“Inflation is still at undesirable levels. The slight positive increase in business confidence is likely to be crushed next quarter by the recent increase in the Bank of England base rate to 5%, which will likely impact investment decisions and businesses’ profitability in the short and medium term.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q2 2023, click here.

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Low Carbon Challenge Fund launched by Clay Cross Town Deal

5th July 2023

Businesses within the Clay Cross Town Deal boundary can now apply for grant funding to contribute towards low-carbon initiatives.

Grant funding is available from an allocation of £645,000, out of the £24.1m Town Deal fund. The Government announced that Clay Cross would receive £24.1m of funding to deliver a number of projects contained in the Clay Cross Town Investment Plan.

“We work hard to support our businesses to help them thrive and grow whilst also helping them be equipped to reduce their carbon emissions,” Cllr Jayne Barry, North East Derbyshire District Council portfolio holder for Growth and Assets said.

“Supporting them to be more environmentally efficient is the purpose of this initiative and these grants will not only help them achieve this but ensure they are compliant and future-proof in what is an exciting time for Clay Cross with the Town deal investments.”

The application begins with submitting an Expression of Interest form, followed by a more detailed application once invited by administrators if eligibility criteria are met.

Eligible activities could include:

Improved insulation, lighting, heating and controls
Efficient motors, compressors, equipment
Vehicle chargers
Renewable energy (PV panels, ASHPs, GSHPs etc.)
Resource efficiency
Waste reduction and recycling
Improved metering and low-cost Building Management Systems
Emerging technological solutions

Applicants are expected to contribute at least 25% of the cost of their investments. and all financial activity for the projects should be completed by 31 December 2024.

More information about the grants as well as the Expression of Interest form are available here.

Posted in Business, Home

Paw Patrol star, Skye, set to visit Chesterfield

4th July 2023

Children in Chesterfield will have the chance to meet popular pup, Skye, at The Entertainer on Saturday 8^th July.

The Entertainer is offering fans of the courageous pup the chance to meet their Paw Patrol hero at its Chesterfield store at regular intervals between 10am – 4pm. What’s more, little ones can expect a pup-tacular high-five and hug from their number one hero, Skye, while capturing the paw-fect snap.

Skye will be at the Chesterfield store for one day only before she dashes off to re-join the Paw Patrol gang for another action-packed adventure, so guests are advised to arrive in plenty of time for the chance to meet and greet one of the world’s most popular pups.

The Entertainer’s Paw Patrol meet and greet is free-of-charge and provides families with a budget-friendly, fun-filled day out, where children can pose for photos with their favourite furry friend.

Craig Lowe, events coordinator at The Entertainer, said: “We know that children of all ages love Paw Patrol, so we are certain that this event will be incredibly popular! This is a great opportunity for little ones to meet their Paw Patrol hero and have some fun in-store.”

Skye will be available for free-of-charge meet and greets at The Entertainer in Chesterfield on Saturday 8^th July, appearing regularly between 10am to 4pm.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Robinson wins Silver Award in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

4th July 2023

Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has become a Silver Award Winner in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Kirsty Lawrence, Deputy Employer Engagement Director, East Midlands, says: “‘Working with Robinsons PLC toward Silver Defence Employer Recognition Status has been a genuine joy. It is clear that Robinson’s is committed to making good on military connections of the past by supporting Defence people, in their employ, present and future. Through numerous conversations, it was clear that this commitment is important and pivotal to HR and recruitment practice going forward, as part of the ethos and culture of the company. Well done, Robinsons!

Robinson has taken part in the scheme, designed to help recruit former defence employees in a variety of roles, over the past two years. The company will now take part in an awards ceremony at The National Space Centre in Leicester in September.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO, says: “We are delighted and proud to have been recognised by the Defence Employer recognition Scheme. Robinson Plc was started in 1839 and throughout its long history has many associations with the armed forces, through its people and in the development of innovative medical products. These were critical in wartime situations for example the crepe bandage that was used by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War”.

Robinson was also recently awarded FSC ® certification (Licence code: FSC-C186000) for its Paperbox division.

FSC certificati0n ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating widely recyclable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Home

More than 3,100 light up streets of Chesterfield for record-breaking fundraiser

3rd July 2023

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s popular Sparkle Night Walk fundraiser over the weekend.

Donning pink outfits and flashing bunny ears, more than 3,100 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by Technique, on Saturday 1st July.

More than £150,000 has already been raised to help fund end-of-life care and support – with the charity hoping to see the figure rise to more than £200,000 in the coming weeks.

The 10k walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s stadium, with walkers setting off at 10 pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7.30 pm.

Amongst those taking part was Malcolm Green, 80, who walked in memory of his daughter Vicky after she died at the hospice in January this year, aged just 50.

Vicky, from Dronfield, had been diagnosed with breast cancer five years before and received “first-class” care at home and in the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Malcolm, who was joined by his son-in-law Russ and grandsons, Ben and Toby among other family and friends, said: “Events [like the Sparkle Night Walk] just show how much the hospice means to so many people.

“I must admit the treatment and support Vicky received was absolutely first-class. She only went into the hospice for the last week of her life, but she received care at home for the last three to four months, which helped her with pain relief and other things. It was just so wonderful.

“I’m a member of a walking club so friends have been saying the walk will be a breeze for me, but at 80 years of age, I’m not so sure! There’s about another 12 of us – this is the largest number of participants there’s ever been which is remarkable.”

Elaine Darwent, from Bolsover, took on the walk with family and friends, who collectively raised more than £1,000 for the hospice in memory of her husband, Paul Darwent.

She said: “There’s seven of us here and we’ve raised nearly £1,000 in memory of my husband who was cared for by the community nurses at the end of his life.

“The atmosphere here has been so great and we’ve loved taking part. We’re all so proud to be here in Paul’s memory and hopefully, he’s been looking down on us.”

Paul, who had glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer, was cared for at home by the hospice’s nurses until his death in December 2022, aged 65.

Elaine added: “They looked after Paul and also made sure I was okay; they gave me a bit of free time as I was caring for him 24/7.

“When the hospice started caring for Paul it meant I could become his wife again and not just his carer, so we could focus on making lots of memories together. We were together eight years – it was the happiest time of my life.”

Lex Crossett and her eldest son Finn Crossett, from Wingerworth, were joined by family at the walk.

Finn, who uses a wheelchair, has been receiving support at the hospice’s Day Services and signed up for the fundraiser to give something back.

Lex said: “My friend Dawn and I have done the Sparkle Night Walk for the last three years together; last year Ashgate cared for my neighbour before she died and this year our eldest child makes the most of our Day Services.

“It’s so much fun, there’s such a great atmosphere at the Sparkle Night Walk and it’s for such a wonderful cause. We go to the hospice with Finn for a bit of time together – they’re always so friendly and so warm whenever we need a bit of help.”

This year, the event smashed the previous record of 3,052 participants in 2019 as a total of 3,114 supporters turned out on Saturday evening.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Charlotte Gratton, Events and Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk on Saturday evening.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to our supporters and volunteers who made it such a huge success.

“It’s always incredible to see the North Derbyshire community come together to help us fund our care, but to see more than 3,000 walkers there on this occasion was extra special.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.

“Thank you to our main sponsors Technique, other generous sponsors and many local businesses for their generosity and support.

“I would also like to thank everyone behind the scenes, including an army of incredible volunteers – without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to organise such a big and exciting event for all of our supporters to enjoy. We hope to see everyone back again next year!

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and will be available at a reduced rate until 13th August, with the walk set to take place on Saturday 22nd June 2024.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register for the super early bird price of £8 go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

Images taken by Tom Hodgson Photography

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 Tom Hodgson Photographyby

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 by Tom Hodgson Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

£2m Health and Wellbeing Hub to open on 75th Birthday of the NHS

3rd July 2023

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation will open a brand new £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub on Wednesday (5 July) – the same day the NHS celebrates its 75^th birthday.

An opening ceremony featuring an NHS75 baton relay across the hospital site, which the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield will be taking part in, will mark the opening celebrations.

The Health and Wellbeing Hub was almost entirely funded by an appeal led by the Chesterfield Royal Charity, with the ongoing annual costs for running the facility now to be managed by the Trust.

Atul Patel, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity and Non-Executive Director of the Trust, said: “The Hub was built after colleagues fed back how the impact of Covid changed them, their families and their working lives.

“We knew we needed to ‘care for the carers’ and this is just one of the very visible ways we are doing just that. The Hub will provide respite, relief and an easily accessible space and facility for colleagues.

“We would especially like to thank our main sponsors: NHS Charities Together, DSFS and Westfield Health. Thank you to everybody who held a cake sale, a sponsored run, a raffle – it all contributes to allowing us as the charity to give the gift of extraordinary.”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive, commented: “Firstly, a huge well done to everybody involved in this incredible project and an even bigger thank you to the donors too.

“Here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, we want to be recommended as a place to come to work and for the clinical care we provide. I truly believe that the Health and Wellbeing Hub is the greatest asset and cornerstone cited in those recommendations! Colleagues will be able to utilise:

Counselling rooms, ensuring support for the mental health & well-being of our colleagues; complimentary therapies
A fully equipped gym, with equipment specially selected by our Health and Well-being Team
Areas for group or individual reflections after traumatic incidents.

“This really is one of a kind and something I am so proud of us opening on the NHS75. Along with our ED, Paediatric Assessment Unit, Community Diagnostic Centres and much more, we are redefining the role and abilities of this fantastic hospital. I hope the whole community continue to support the Chesterfield Royal Charity so that even more can be done to support and keep developing.”

Hannah Peate, Health and Wellbeing Lead for the Trust added ‘’This Health and Wellbeing Hub will grow and develop to support the colleagues who every day work so hard to deliver care to our patients. Colleagues from across the organisation have worked tirelessly to make this a reality, it’s been a true collaboration across numerous departments. This will provide a holistic space for colleagues to come and decompress through to undertaking a Health and Wellbeing workshop or participating in a class or accessing the gym.

“I’m excited to welcome our new Health Improvement Advisors – who will be driving the classes and making sure we get the very most out of the Hub. I would also like to recognise and thank our wonderful Wellbeing Champions and Mental Health First Aiders for the work they do to support our colleagues on a daily basis across the Trust.’’

There will be no charge for use for Chesterfield Royal Hospital employed colleagues. The Trust will be looking to open facilities in the Hub 24/7 in the future.

The gym equipment – including functional fitness, studio, cardio and strength training machines and free weights – has been sourced through competitive tender and is the best in the business for the best value. Accessibility issues have been considered we have included easy-to-operate machines with accessible seats including having adjustments for colleagues with additional/other needs – such as those who are partially sighted etc.

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust, concludes: “The NHS’ 75^th birthday is a perfect occasion to express how truly proud we are of the people who work here and across our system. This brand-new, purpose-built, Health and Wellbeing Hub is the perfect way to mark this momentous day. The Hub will provide support, facilities, and a moment away from the hustle and bustle of a busy acute hospital. It’s been incredible to see the support Chesterfield Royal Charity received in their fundraising – from members of the public to local businesses and colleagues of the Trust. A special thank you to those people who contributed and continue to help us to deliver initiatives as exciting as this one!”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

New scheme launched in Chesterfield to improve night-time safety

3rd July 2023

More than 30 local businesses have signed up for a national scheme which aims to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder – helping create a safer night out in Chesterfield.

The Best Bar None accreditation scheme – supported by the Home Office and drinks industry – has been rolled out in the town to help provide a safer night out and reduce crime and disorder.

The scheme, which has been launched by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Best Bar None, Chesterfield Pubwatch and Derbyshire Constabulary, is open to all licensed premises in the town centre.

It is designed to build positive relationships between the licensed trade, police and local authorities and also aims to champion improvements in the way venues are managed and encourage best practices to be shared.

Businesses that are not already signed up can contact Chesterfield Borough Council’s licencing department to register their venue under the scheme. The team can be contacted by emailing licensing@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 936354.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield has many great pubs, restaurants, bars and clubs. It is a great place to enjoy an evening out.

“Chesterfield is also a very safe place to live, socialise and visit. However, like towns and cities around the country, alcohol-related crime and disorder can sometimes be an issue.

“We want to ensure Chesterfield is even safer, and even more welcoming at night. That’s why we are really pleased to launch Best Bar None here.

“The scheme will strengthen relationships between the licenced trade, council and police to reduce alcohol-related disruption. It’s also a great opportunity for the many fantastic licenced businesses to showcase where their work is helping keep people safe.

“Over 85% of pubs and clubs in the town centre are already signed up to the scheme, in addition to others across the borough – including several in Hasland, Brampton and on Sheffield Road.

“I am looking forward to seeing Best Bar None make Chesterfield even better for residents, visitors and people working in the night-time economy.”

If successful, the scheme will be expanded into other areas of the town in 2024. More information can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/best-bar-none

Roger Butler, the Chair of Chesterfield Pubwatch, said: “We at Pubwatch are very happy and excited to be rolling out the Best Bar None scheme. It is a fabulous opportunity for the bars in Chesterfield to come together to improve standards and safety through better training.

“The take up for the scheme has been very high and will give a good selection of accredited bars giving a warm welcome to their customers.”

As well as introducing the Best Bar None scheme, a new digital radio network has been launched in the town centre to help improve communication between businesses in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

The new radios will be used by licenced trade businesses to share information that will help to prevent anti-social behaviour across the town.

The new radios and digital system have been bought using UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding and contributions from Derbyshire Constabulary and Chesterfield Pubwatch.

The new digital radio network is just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government fund.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield