Author: Dom Stevens

Derbyshire Young Artists of the Year celebrated at Chesterfield College

24th June 2019

The winners of Chesterfield College’s Derbyshire Young Artist of the Year competition were announced last week at an event which launched an exhibition of the stunning entries received from young artists across the county. This was the first event in Chesterfield College’s Arts Festival, which runs until 28 June.

The competition was open to school children in Year 4 to Year 13, who were asked to produce an illustration, a painting or collage, photography or a 3D sculpture on the theme of “The environment and me.” Now in its third year, a record number of entries were received this year with judges commenting on the high standard of work when carrying out the tricky task of shortlisting the finalists.

Competition entrants, their families and their teachers gathered to see the work on display in West Studios before certificates were awarded to the finalists.

Isobel Greene, winner of the Visual Arts Year 7-9 category created a striking acrylic painting on canvas of planets in outer space with a single red balloon floating in the sky. She explained what inspired her:

“To follow the theme I wanted to create something about how I feel about the fact we’re ruining the environment. When you let go of a balloon it escapes all that, but we’re still trapped down here. I wish I could be that balloon escaping. I worked on my piece at home but I have chosen to do Art GCSE at school next year. If I could be an artist one day I would. It is really nice to win this competition.”

Evie Burgon, winner of the 3D category explained the thought process behind her entry and how she created the piece. She said:

“I created the earth using a balloon and papier-mâché. I asked my cousins to put hand prints on the earth to represent the younger generation protecting the earth. For the back panel I used my mum’s footprints to represent the older generation’s carbon footprint. I wanted the contrast between the negative impact and the positive and that it isn’t too late to do something about it. I started by collecting newspaper cuttings of headlines about the environment and I’ve used them on the sculpture. It took me about 2 weeks to create it. It feels good to have won.”

Harry Bell, Winner of the Visual Arts Year 4-6 category, chose to create a painting using acrylics inspired by a view of a beach out to sea with a stormy sky from the Tate Gallery in St Ives. He said:

“St Ives is one of my favourite places to go. We went to the Tate when we were there in the Easter holidays and when I saw the view out to sea from there I decided I wanted to paint it for the competition. My mum took a photo and when I got home I started using acrylics on canvas. I wanted to create texture so I mixed sand from the beach in the paint and mixed colours to show the stormy sky and sea. Winning this competition gives me a lot of confidence to paint a lot more.”

Finalists of each category are:

3D category

Winner: Evie Burgon

Finalist: Martha Bramwell

Photography category

Winner: Christian Spence

Finalist: Neve McMahon

Finalist: Ellie Mae Cooper

Finalist: Daniel Azoulay

Visual Art category, Years 4-6

Winner: Harry Bell

Finalist: Charlotte Faulkner

Finalist: Kyle D

Finalist: Stephanie Wells

Visual Art category, Years 7-9

Winner: Isobel Greene

Finalist: Tansy Hoyland

Finalist: Mason Chapman

Visual Art category, Years 10-13

Winner: Courtney Lewis

Finalist: Mia Dickerson

Finalist: Kira Cooper

The exhibition of the Young Artists’ work is open to the public until 28 June and forms part of the college’s Arts Festival which celebrates the work of art, design and fashion students. The annual fashion show is on the 26^th June at 7pm, tickets can be reserved online ( https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/event/fashion-show-2019/2019-06-26/2/ ).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Made in Chesterfield

Can you help out at Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event

24th June 2019

On Saturday 6th July, Ashgate Hospicecare’s Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk is back for a record-breaking fifth year and they need your help!

The event, which keeps growing year on year and, saw over 2,500 people come together last year, and raised over £200,000 for those in need of care and support at Ashgate Hospicecare. The walk stretches across Chesterfield and is need of a number of volunteers to help marshal to support the event across various locations.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re so excited to be back for our biggest ever Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk and this year we’ll welcome more participants than ever. As a result, we need more wonderful volunteers to help cheer on our walkers and help direct them along the route.

As well as being a crucial part of Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event, you’ll also get a food and drink voucher on the night, as well as a special commemorative goody bag to thank you for your support. If you can give your time between 8pm and 1am on Saturday 6th July, we’d love to hear from you.”

To find out more information about how you can support Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event and help raise vital funds for patients and their families, please contact the Ashgate Hospicecare fundraising team at fundraising@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or on 01246 567250.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Tara rises to abseil challenge for Citizens Advice

24th June 2019

Destination Chesterfield’s Tara Underhill is preparing to face a fear of heights to abseil the Chesterfield Town Hall and raise money for Citizens Advice.

Tara will descend the side of the iconic building on Tuesday 30^th July – the same day as the Medieval Market – in support of the vital local charity, which helps thousands of local people facing challenges daily.

Tara said: “When I originally agreed to sign up for the abseil, I didn’t think it would be too scary because I somehow managed to complete a sky dive last year (fighting back the tears) and I thought I surely must be braver now. However, I’ve since then been looking at photographs of people completing the abseil last year and my hands keep getting very sweaty! I did some indoor climbing practice recently and needed a drink after that too!”

“Despite my fears, I’m keen to raise money for Citizens Advice Chesterfield this year to help ensure local people can continue to access free, confidential and impartial advice, particularly for mental health. I would love to raise £200 because this would pay to support someone suffering from severe mental health problems to avoid a crisis and a return to hospital. All donations are gratefully received.”

Citizens Advice Trustee, Linda Moore said: “We really appreciate Tara’s support and look forward to her completing the challenge along with the full team. The money raised will help our dedicated advisers in their mission to support around 6,000 local residents with 20,000 problems each year – relating to a variety of issues from mental health to homelessness.”

Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dom Stevens said: “The Destination Chesterfield board and team have always been supportive of the team’s fundraising activities and is proud of Tara’s commitment to abseil for Citizens Advice. Destination Chesterfield works alongside several charities and the team has previously raised money for Ashgate Hospicecare and the Alzheimer’s Society.”

Donations can be made in support of Tara’s abseil challenge online at https://www.everyclick.com/taraabseil

Posted in Destination Chesterfield

Adorn Jewellers scoops top award at 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

20th June 2019

Adorn Jewellers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite retailer. The independent jeweller, which is owned by husband and wife team Laura Jo and Adam Owen, was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 19 June.

The multi award-winning jeweller, which is based in The Shambles in Chesterfield town centre, also clinched the title of Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held at Casa Hotel.

This is the fifth consecutive year Adorn Jewellers has been recognised at the annual awards, but 2019 is the first year the business has taken the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year.

Delighted to accept the award, Laura Jo Owen said: “After a winning a number of retail awards over the last five years I am absolutely speechless to win Retailer of the Year. Chesterfield has so many fantastic shops and stores that make for an amazing retail landscape, so to win the top award is unbelievable.”

The Retailer of the Year title sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) was just one of 15 awards presented to 13 businesses, events and individuals at the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM presenter, Craig Bailey.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards recognise the very best shops, stores, market stalls and events in the borough. Nominated by shoppers, the winners were all selected by an independent panel of judges as well as Destination Chesterfield assessing the online presence of the businesses.

On the night it was also a double win for Something Special Bridal, based in Old Whittington, which walked away with the Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service titles.

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices and events were too.

Apprentice hairdresser Kelly Jaggers (24) from Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty in Hasland was named Retail Apprentice of the Year and Chesterfield’s popular Food and Drink Festival, which is organised by Edge Events, was voted Best Town Centre Event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards recognises some of the town’s most wonderful people and businesses and the 2019 awards ceremony was no exception. The way we shop is changing and Chesterfield’s retailers are adapting to this brilliantly. They are creating fun experiences for customers; providing spaces to meet, socialise and shop; utilising technology to communicate with customers and teaming up with local businesses and initiatives to ensure the town’s retail sector continues to thrive. Congratulations to every shortlisted and winning business and individual. They all play a very important role in Chesterfield’s economy.”

In addition to Adorn Jewellers, Something Special Bridal, Kelly Jaggers and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival, the winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year (Sponsored by Elite Private Education)

Belle Vie

Alysha Bradley, Owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be crowned Hair and Beauty Business of the Year. We care so much about the people in the business, our customers and the contribution we are all making to the community. The next step for the business is to open a disability retreat for adults and children.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year (sponsored by In the Works PR)

Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, Owner of Dotique said: “We were delighted to win Best New Store last year so to follow that up with the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year award in 2019 is just fabulous. I am ecstatic. I am very proud of Chesterfield and so happy to be here.

Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “We’re over the moon to win the award particularly as it recognises the quality of our produce. I personally hand select all our produce daily from wholesale farmers and markets and if I wouldn’t eat it, then it’s not good enough for our customers. We’re all about quality.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Peak FM)

Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Brian Quinney, Owner of Quinney’s Pet Supplies, said: “It feels amazing to be crowned Leisure Retailer of the year. It’s a fantastic reward after two and half years of hard work. We’ve grown massively since we opened, and we hope to continue that growth in the future.”

Market Hall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Arvato)

R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Simon Davidson, Owner of R P Davidson Cheese Factor said: “It’s a great honour for me and my staff to be crowned Market Hall Business of the Year. It’s important that the business continues to evolve. We don’t want more shops, but we definitely want to work with other retailers, and we have sponsored the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival in Queens Park in 2019.”

Market Trader of the Year (Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Roper’s Honey

Helen Roper, Owner of Roper’s Honey said: “It’s really exciting to be crowned Market Trader of the Year. We love the market, the customers and our fellow market traders – it’s like a big family – just like our business and we hope our children will be the future of it.”

Independent Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design)

Something Special Bridal

Tonya Stickley, Owner of Something Special Bridal, said: “I am over the moon to win. It is beyond amazing. It means so much to me and my little boutique to win the awards. It’s a tough environment economically and politically, so it’s great to recognise the independent retailer.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by The University of Derby)

The Body Shop

Hannah Richardson, Manager of The Body Shop in Chesterfield said: “We were all completely shocked to hear we’d won. We are a small team of four, who are all committed to delivering the very best service to our loyal customers. We are all so proud to have won the award.”

Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by Casa Hotel)

Something Special Bridal

Best Town Centre Event (Sponsored by Spire Radio)

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Laura Ashby, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “It feels amazing to be local to Chesterfield and to win this award. It’s a fantastic event that is for all members of the family. We’re delighted to win.”

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Kelly Jaggers (Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty)

She said: “I am so happy and surprised to win the award. It is so nice to be appreciated. I have just completed my Level 2 apprenticeship and now want to do my Level 3. If you want to learn a new skill or trade, an apprenticeship is the best way to do it.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge, said: “I’m really pleased that I and the whole team have been recognised for the time and effort we put into our apprentice programme. I am a massive advocate of apprenticeships because I know the benefits that they can bring to a business as well as to the career development of young people.”

Best New Store 2018/2019 (Sponsored by Pavements Shopping Centre)

Astra Designs

Donna Danielle, Owner of Astra Designs said: “It’s a big shock to win but feels absolutely amazing to be named as the Best New Store at the Retail Awards. There is so much support for business in Chesterfield. The community and customers mean so much to us and help us grow the business, which means my daughter is able to join it next year as an apprentice.”

Further supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, JayRar, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

For more information and images of the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chamber’s Wider Remit will Help Build Thriving Communities

19th June 2019

Corporate philanthropy has come a long way from the days when it was perceived as little more than a tax-deductible business expense.

Providing a junior league football team with kit for a year was once considered enough for a company to claim it was part of its local community.

However, more and more companies are starting to better understand the links between meaningful community engagement and their own successes – whether that’s around better engaging and developing existing staff, attracting the next generation of workforce or winning a new contract with others wanting to know they’re having an impact with the money they spend.

Next week, East Midlands Chamber* will be hosting its second annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit, at which delegates will hear from representatives of companies already working meaningfully with local communities and learn more about how they can get the best results for both themselves and the communities they’re based in.

They’ll also hear how the Chamber, which has widened its vision to ‘enhancing East Midlands businesses and communities’, is seeking to take a lead in helping firms engage in CSR activity.

Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, will tell delegates: “The focus in future will be about how businesses – particularly small and medium organisations – and communities work together for shared goals.

“Nowadays, it is not enough for a business just to provide jobs. Whether you’re a customer, employee or partner, people want to know that the company they work with cares about people and the planet, not just about profit.

“We are keen to create more opportunities for businesses to engage in CSR activities and to ensure the impact of this can be maximised both for the communities and the businesses themselves. Importantly we believe firmly in the link between successful businesses and thriving local communities.”

Research carried out by the Chamber found that 62% of members already engage in ‘CSR’, with 81% of those saying they do it because it is the ‘right thing to do’.

Sixty-eight per cent do it because they want to develop links with the community, 44% said it helps them build profile, 38% reported a personal connection to a cause and 31% viewed it as part of their staff development strategy.

Forty-one per cent of respondents said they intended to increase activity in this area in the year ahead. For those that don’t get involved in CSR, the main reason given was either not having enough resource or not having considered it.

The Chamber’s CSR Summit takes place at the University of Derby Chesterfield Campus on Tuesday 25 June from 8am to 10am. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2RlfHlC.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Gadget Show Presenter Inspires Local Students to Develop a Career in Technology

19th June 2019

Georgie Barrat, leading technology journalist, Gadget Show presenter and broadcaster, encouraged local school and college students to get the knowledge they need to get into an industry where there are more jobs than people with the right digital skills yesterday. She shared her inside knowledge of the industry as part of the Sparks Series of lectures at Chesterfield College.

With the technology industry growing faster than the UK economy, Georgie gave a fascinating insight into the wide range of exciting developments she has tested from artificial intelligence to augmented reality, and much more besides. She explained what opportunities these new technologies open up for young people about to enter the job market.

Georgie demonstrated how she carved a career in tech journalism and what it is like to work for some of the key tech employers. She also gave the audience some top tips about how to develop a bright future in the industry.

There were interesting questions from the audience about how new technological inventions would affect us as consumers and as a human race, as well as questions about what it is really like to work in technology and media.

Georgie’s final words of inspiration for the audience were:

“Digital literacy is what everyone is after. If you can code; if you are a software developer, the world is your oyster. If you go into any company, they want these skills.”

“Go out there. Dream big and go and shape the world. The world needs people like you to shape it.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Home Care Company Receives Outstanding Rating

18th June 2019

A Chesterfield home care company, which has been described as providing a ‘first class service’, has been awarded the highest accolade in the care sector.

Home Instead Senior Care Chesterfield was recently inspected by the independent care sector regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The newly published results rate the service, owned by caring couple Stephanie and Nigel Metham, as outstanding. The team received high praise from inspectors across all areas.

Only three per cent of home care providers inspected by the CQC have been awarded the coveted ‘Outstanding’ rating, making this a truly impressive achievement.

The company was set up in 2011 by Nigel and Stephanie to provide care and enable older people to continue living independently in the comfort of their own homes. Inspectors discovered a positive culture where staff always go the extra mile to make sure clients are happy, safe and supported at home.

In the report, inspectors were truly impressed with what they found with staff using ‘innovative ways to maintain clients’ quality of life and enrich people’s lives.’ Caregivers encouraged clients to make valuable contributions in their community by taking part in local activities. This also helped ‘maintain and improve people’s self-worth.’

It was highlighted throughout the report how the ethos and culture at Home Instead was inspiring and that clients sat at the heart of the service. One relative told inspectors, “The carergivers that attend always provide an excellent service and feel completely confident in the care they provide. The staff in the office are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I would highly recommend Home Instead Chesterfield to anyone needing home care assistance.”

Inspectors also spoke to external health professionals about the service and one professional told of the positive difference the service makes to people’s lives. They commented on how staff helped to re-establish confidence in their clients, enabling them to ‘get out into the community.’

Another external health professional said, “The caregivers are all very professional and caring, they have total respect and dignity for my patients.”

The service recently received a Ministry of Defence Silver Award for their commitment to being ‘forces friendly’. This award is because they provide employment for local people who enter the workplace after serving in the armed forces.

Commenting on the achievement, Stephanie said, “To be rated outstanding is an achievement we are immensely proud of. So few companies have been awarded an outstanding rating, and we are delighted for everyone on our fabulous team.”

Nigel added, “Reading the report, with its many positive comments, is humbling. We all love what we do and are committed to bringing peace of mind to our clients and their families.”

Home Instead specialises in providing companionship-based care to older people and their service allows their clients to remain living in their own homes for longer than would otherwise be possible.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Business Analytics Consultancy Announces Move to New Town Centre Location

18th June 2019

Chesterfield based business analytics consultancy Peak Indicators have expanded to a new office location in Chesterfield town centre.

Peak Indicators Ltd took receipt of the keys to Hayfield House in February and following an 8 week programme of works the team have moved into their new home benefiting from a town centre location and excellent public transport links.

Andy Ball, Chief Operating Officer at Peak Indicators, said:

“We are looking forward to continuing our journey of growth in our new home here at Hayfield House, it’s a great time for us all. Chesterfield is a very accessible location allowing us to access talent and skill pools from surrounding Cities, which is vital for a niche consultancy such as ours”

“Following the investment in a new building and creating a fantastic working space the plans are to continue to build further world-leading analytical solutions that support an ever-expanding customer base.”

Peak Indicators were formed in 2008 as a Business Intelligence consultancy. The company is now very much focused on developing machine learning and augmented, advanced analytics applications for clients in the retail, financial services and consumer goods sectors.

Over the last 10 years Peak Indicators has created 50 jobs and their client base and service offering continues to grow.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Exhibitors Encouraged to Sign Up for Derbyshire’s Largest Careers Event

17th June 2019

Employers, colleges, training providers and voluntary organisations are being invited to book their place at this year’s Derbyshire Skills Festival.

The event is organised by Derbyshire County Council and supported by Derby City Council. It is aimed at students aged 13 to 19, particularly those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school.

Derbyshire Skills Festival is the largest careers event for young people in Derbyshire and this year it is being held at:

Proact Stadium, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ on Wednesday 18 September 2019
Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby, DE24 8JB on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September 2019

All three events will run from 1.30pm to 7.30pm (last admission 6.45pm).

There will also be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training are welcome to attend.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said:

“Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions that our young people will make and we’re pleased the Derbyshire Skills Festival can support them in this process.

“Last year more than 10,000 young people attended the festival making it a great event for organisations to showcase what opportunities they have to a huge audience.

“Thank you to the organisations that have already signed up to secure their place and we look forward to welcoming more.”The festival is an opportunity for young people leaving school or college or looking for a job with training to get all the information and guidance they need under one roof.

Visitors to the event will also be able to take part in have-a-go sessions to test their skills and give them an idea of what different careers might be like.

Organisations interested in having a stand at one or both of the venues can email: skillsfestival@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 536545 (office hours only).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Top Hats and Tiaras as Champions ‘Dress-Up’ For Master Cutler’s Challenge

17th June 2019

This month, it was Top Hats and Tiaras at Chesterfield Champions Shorts, when they held a ‘dress-up day’ in support of the Master Cutler’s Challenge.

The Master and Mistress Cutler (Nicholas and Liz Cragg) try to visit as many participating companies as possible during the duration of the challenge, and Shorts were delighted when he chose to visit both of their offices along with Jack Kidder, Corporate Fundraising Manager at St. Luke’s and had the opportunity to speak to many of the team about the challenge and the charities who benefit from the funds raised.

Andy Irvine commented “We’ve been taking part in weekly dress down Fridays, but it was one of our tax team, who came up with the suggestion that we organise a ‘dress-up’ day for a change – something a bit different. This seemed a great idea and we were delighted that so many of the team got on board with the idea. The weather this week has been absolutely appalling, so we were especially delighted that so many people made the effort to make their way into work in all their finery.”

Jack Kidder added “Having spoken to a number of the teams taking part in this year’s challenge, there are as always, a wide variety of interesting and fun events taking place. It’s great to see such enthusiasm, and originality from this year’s participators, and in all my years in fundraising, I haven’t come across anyone doing a dress-up day before. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting both of Shorts’ offices and it was fantastic to see so many people taking part.”

There were a variety of outfits worn during the day, from evening dresses to black tie and dinner jackets, with tiaras, crowns and plenty of jewels. A competition was held, and a bottle of champagne awarded to the ‘best dressed’ in both offices, with Margaret McPhail and Alexandra Robinson taking the titles.

The Master Cutler’s Challenge is now in its 12th year, and this year’s chosen primary charities are St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice. Businesses across the Sheffield City Region are invited to raise as much as possible in fundraising for the two charities, and Shorts have already been busy, raising over £2,900 with a 13-mile sponsored walk, dress down Fridays, monthly cake sales and a variety of office sweepstakes and Last Man Standing competitions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Which are the best Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Businesses?

17th June 2019

Businesses that represent the best of the area’s tourism industry are set to be showcased and celebrated in the newly-launched Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

Organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, the awards will recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector, which is worth over £2.15 billion, attracts 40.45 million visitors each year and supports over 28,000 jobs.

Nominations are open from 17^th June to 4^th August 2019, with local businesses encouraged to enter in 11 categories that celebrate different aspects of the visitor economy – from amazing visitor attractions and great accommodation providers to traditional pubs and unique experiences.

Winners from each category will automatically be put forward into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, awards include ‘Hotel of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’, ‘Pub of the Year’, ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Experience of the Year’. Others champion ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ and ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism’, shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts in the autumn. Those shortlisted will be informed in November 2019 and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of the visitor economy and the people who work across the area’s tourism sector to make it so successful.

“We look forward to honouring all the brilliant local businesses who continuously strive for excellence, ensuring visitors have the most rewarding and memorable experiences when they visit the Peak District and Derbyshire.”

The full list of categories is below:

B&B and Guest House of the Year
Hotel of the Year
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Visitor Attraction of the Year
Pub of the Year
Experience of the Year
New Tourism Business of the Year
Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

For more details on the categories and to enter, please visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/tourism-awards

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £75 plus VAT per category.

Applications open at 09:00 on 17th June 2019 and close at 23:59 on 4th August 2019. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting