About Chesterfield

Chesterfield woman boosts career with apprenticeship after working alongside local skills provider

A Chesterfield woman has recently added to her impressive skillset and progressed within her current role, after taking on an apprenticeship at the age of 31.

Kiera Robinson is a Business Administrator/ Researcher at Railview Ltd. based in Barrow Hill, and has improved her career prospects after working alongside DBC Training to learn new skills and gain vital career support.

Kiera said: “I had previously been to College and University to study Nursing, I decided to have a change of career and joined Railview as an Administration Assistant. It was when I was on the European Computing Driving License (ECDL) course at DBC training in Derby in January 2020 to help develop my IT skills, that I learnt about apprenticeships.

“An employee at DBC overheard me talking about my job and mentioned that the Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship course would be perfect for myself and a great route to take as was it linked directly to my job and would help me progress professionally.”

Keira explained why she wanted to take on an apprenticeship, despite the perception that the career route is only open to school or college leavers: “I decided I wanted to pursue the apprenticeship because I wanted to develop my career prospects, gain a new qualification that was relevant to my job role, progress further within the company I work for and to learn more about Business and Administration by gaining new knowledge, skills, and experience whilst on the job.

“It was the perfect way for me to progress, earn money, support my family and home, and gain a qualification that would help me in the future. I would recommend anyone to do an apprenticeship, no matter what your personally circumstances or age. You will get a qualification; you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge to help with your future and your career. Starting my apprenticeship was the best thing I could have done for myself personally and for my career prospects, I wish I had done it sooner.”

Peter Roberts, Digital Marketing Manager at DBC Training Ltd, said: “We provide the local community with enhanced opportunities to learn new skills and receive expert support, providing a pathway to a new career across a wide range of sectors. DBC also work in partnership with local employees to match people to opportunities, providing a vital role in both supporting the local economy and local people.

“DBC Training offers an exciting range of qualifications and learning programmes across multiple locations, sectors and industries that will support your career aspirations.

“Our courses are specifically tailored to support your individual learning needs; and can lead to work experience, paid employment or progression within your chosen career path. If you are looking for your first career opportunity or to further progress in your current role, then we can support you. You can find our full apprenticeship offer here – https://www.dbc-training.co.uk/apprenticeships”

Kiera has continued to develop her skills further, and has now enrolled on the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Derby. The University’s Academic Lead for Management Apprenticeships, Spencer Ryan-Prewett commented: “The CMDA has proven to be incredibly popular as a means for individuals to undertake an Apprenticeship and secure a Degree, in addition to providing significant Business Leadership and Management skills from an employer perspective.

“Our Apprentices are consistently demonstrating higher level skills, knowledge and behaviours leading to broad ranging organisational benefits. The University of Derby CMDA Programme is also high performing with 80% of our Apprentices securing high Merit and Distinction results from their independent, external Assessment at the end of the programme.

“The Apprentices are supported by a very structured programme which blends classroom and online teaching in a way that recognises the challenges associated with undertaking a Degree Level programme whilst balancing work and home life. We are delighted to be able to get a programme underway in Chesterfield in September this year and welcome contact from anyone wanting more information about the Apprenticeship

To find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield, and how they can support your career, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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

Kiera Robinson apprentice town

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield firm offers free CV and job application support to Ukraine refugees

Ukrainian refugees in Chesterfield who need help with their CVs to enable them to apply for jobs, are being offered access NLT Training Services’ free Step into Employment service.

As well as providing immediate access to an employment specialist, who can provide practical support with CV writing and job applications, the Brimington-based training provider also offers free access to IT equipment.

A number of people have fled to Chesterfield from Ukraine since the war started under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. NLT is already helping people who have fled the war in Syria to get work ready and now wants to extend the opportunity to Ukrainian refugees in and around Chesterfield.

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services explained: “NLT isn’t just a training provider, it’s a charity too so we’re always looking for ways to support people in the local community. Like many people, NLT is keen to support Ukrainian people who have arrived in Chesterfield, and we can offer both practical support and advice on accessing employment through our popular Step into Employment programme.

“There are plenty of job opportunities out there right now and, even if people aren’t quite ready to start working, we can help them take their first steps to prepare for employment. Working can be a great way to improve English speaking, make friends and of course earn money to fund a more independent lifestyle. “

“From CV writing right through to the application process, we have a great team here ready to welcome people through the door and help them take those first steps to working in the UK.”

As part of the programme, which is delivered at NLT’s Station Road offices in Brimington, attendees will have access to IT equipment, free internet access and advice on CV creation and interview techniques from employment specialist Janice Parker. There is also an opportunity to undertake work experience placements to enable attendees to further boost their skills and confidence.

If you’re hosting refugees or know someone who is, find out more about getting involved with NLT’s Step Into Employment programme by contacting Janice Parker on 07947 550 571 or email janice.parker@nlt-training.co.uk.

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

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Residents encouraged to get involved in Derbyshire Community Orchard project

Just as the Queen’s Green Canopy is asking people to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ and pin their tree to the UK map, Derbyshire Community Orchard Network are asking people to pin their fruit trees and orchards to the map of Derbyshire.

The group began mapping fruit trees and orchards last year and are on the lookout for more. Simon Redding, a group member said “We haven’t found it difficult to do the actual technical mapping but we are struggling to know where fruit trees are located.

“Many groups have come forward to tell us about their plantations, such as orchards in Tideswell, Buxton, Ashover, Hayfield, New Mills, Overseal and Belper but we know there are more out there and would love people to get in touch.”

Derbyshire Community Orchard Network was set up in July last year with the aim of connecting people interested in starting or sustaining a community orchard, so that skills can be shared and knowledge maintained. The group meets about once every two months and has members who own or manage orchards, others who volunteer to help occasionally or people just interested in wildlife, the environment and sustainable food production.

Group organiser Anne Thoday said “We discovered there was an appetite for people to get together and talk about all things fruit tree related. Our meetings are well attended and we have already had speakers from Transition, Abundance Chesterfield, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), and many people who manage orchards.

“Community orchards are a great space for old and young to mix and play a part in sustainable food production.

“We know how important trees can be in helping to prevent climate change, they remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their wood, roots and leaves. It’s a further bonus to plant fruit trees which can also provide food.”

Derbyshire County Councillor Barry Lewis initiated the convening of a group to bring interested parties together. He owns Amber Valley Vineyards in Wessington where he has planted many traditional apple varieties in a cider orchard such as Newton Wonder, Beeley Pippin and New Bess Pool. He manages the wildflower meadow around the orchards to maximise biodiversity, and has seen a considerable increase in species over the years. The group have had a talk from Kieron Huston from DWT on growing wildflower meadows and have also recently visited Amber Valley to see the meadow at Wessington.

Barry said: “When we first planted the vines and trees the surrounding field was fairly poor quality meadow grassland with low species diversity. Over the years we have managed to introduce, by green-haying from another wildlife site we look after, many new locally native species and we now have lots of red fescue, ox eye daisy, vetch, yellow rattle, cowslips, blue bells and each year we are seeing increasing diversity of plants.”

The group is putting this call out for more people to come forward and tell them where they are and what’s happening in their area with fruit trees. Anyone interested in planting an orchard or getting involved with orchards are also welcome to attend the meetings. The next evening will have a talk from Kevin Thomas at ‘One Planet Matters’ who has been working on encouraging community orchards across the country, and is already helping to plan plantings in Renishaw, Unstone and Eckington. Many community groups and schools have made use of free trees from the Queen’s Green Canopy partner the Woodland Trust, and it would be great for younger people interested in tree growing to get in touch, as planting is only the first step in creating a productive orchard.

The group can be contacted by mailing Anne on climateactionned@gmail.com and found on Facebook at Derbyshire Community Orchard Network.

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Dr. Hal Spencer named as new CEO at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Following an extensive independently managed recruitment process,  Dr Hal Spencer has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Hal had been Medical Director at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust since 2018 – after spending two years as the Divisional Director for the hospital’s Medicine and Emergency Care Division. After undertaking his training in Cambridge and London, he went to work as a junior Doctor in Nottingham Middlesbrough and Australia. He then completed his general medicine and specialist Gastroenterology training in and around Sheffield, including a year as a Registrar in Chesterfield where he joined the consultant team in 2004.

Dr Hal Spencer said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, a hospital I have worked in since I was a junior Doctor. I am proud of all my colleagues and the care and support we give both to each other and to our patients. We do great things here, and I am very much looking forward to leading our teams to do so much more. It is a very exciting time to take over the reins.”

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the Trust said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that Hal has appointed as Chief Executive of CRH. I know that colleagues and stakeholders join with me in wishing him the very best in the role. It is Hal’s authenticity, respect, and ability to truly show how he lives our values that will define his leadership of the Trust.”

Dr. Spencer has also joined the board of Destination Chesterfield, helping to drive forward the promotion of the town.

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

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Bumper month for Dawson Radford Solicitors

Chesterfield Champion, Dawson Radford Solicitors is celebrating a record value of corporate and commercial property transactions in May.

Reports of a buoyant buying and selling market would appear to be true, as Dawson Radford has completed over £37,000,000 worth of transactions in just one month.

“To say we are only a small team, the value of transactions completing this month is incredible – we really are seeing some great quality transactions at the moment” says Head of Corporate and Managing Director, Jo Dawson.

“We are almost always working alongside major city firms who have large teams of lawyers at their disposal.  Although we are a small team, we are a strong team producing high quality work and, most importantly, getting deals done for our clients, sometimes under extremely tight time constraints”.

Jo Dawson has a particular specialism in care home sales and purchases, and this area is particularly active at the moment. However, the transactions Dawson Radford is undertaking at the moment are extremely varied.

“We are seeing activity in all industries at the moment, from manufacturing to logistics, marketing companies to heating engineers, property portfolios to stone masons, security firms to funeral directors” says Jo.

Being able to provide a complete business transaction service to clients relies on the expertise of not only the Corporate department, but also the Commercial Property department, led by Joe Phelan, and the Employment department, led by Liam Kenealy, particularly as commercial property refinance transactions continue to grow.

Dawson Radford can offer complete business law support for businesses, both on an ad-hoc and retainer basis. To find out how the firm can assist your business you can visit www.dawsonradford.co.uk or call 01246 932100 for a no obligation chat.

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

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Discover why Chesterfield is the perfect cycling destination

Chesterfield is the perfect location for cycling.  Nestled on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the historic market town with the Crooked Spire has a range of cycling routes for all abilities.

We caught up with Paul Chapman, Owner of the local lifestyle magazine and website, S40 Local, who loves cycling, to tell us more and share one of his favourite routes.

Paul Chapman from S40 local

Why do you love cycling?

Where do I start and how many words do you want was my initial reaction! Why? Simple.  I just love to cycle, always have, and always will.

Cycling when I was young was how you got to your friends after school.  There were a few years when I abandoned the bike as motorbikes and cars took over.  But it wasn’t long before my commute each day across Nottingham to Boots Head Office involved cycling.

7 am, slicing through winter traffic and dropping onto quiet cycle paths and towpaths through the suburbs is fab.  There isn’t anything like it.  It’s a real wake-up before work. The introduction of the mountain bike had me driving up to the Peak District every weekend.  And this was before any form of suspension on a pushbike! This was painful stuff, but still addictive.

Years later, I now live on the edge of the Peak District. 25 minutes of pedaling from my front door and I can be at the top of Beeley Moor; the hills and valleys looking like all my favourite toys spread out on the lounge floor!

I’ve competed a few times, but only for a bit of fun; I’ve never been that quick.  But now I’m regularly competing with my son to get the odd King of The Mountain (see Strava). But mostly I just try to hang onto his back wheel downhill as I watch a vision of my past youth.  He’s blind to the dangers involved and loving it as much as I do.

 

Why is Chesterfield a great place to Cycle?

Chesterfield is a great place to ride.  We have some very useful bits of infrastructure and a network of bridleways that take you away from the tarmac. I’ve drawn up an 11-mile route around the west side of town, which is at the end of this article.   Strava says it’s 14% road, 55% dirt, and 31% unclassified.   It should take you around an hour and you can explore the town and surrounding areas.

 

How do you plan your cycle routes around Chesterfield?

Why not download the map of Chesterfields’ cycle routes? Take a browse and see if you could use a bike for your commute or escape to the quiet lanes.

Check out some ideas for bike rides and cycle routes around Chesterfield

Paul’s 11-mile cycle route around Chesterfield

11 mile cycle route around Chesterfield

11-mile cycle route around Chesterfield

Download the cycle route map

  • Start at the entrance to Walton Dam (1) and ride through to Somersall Park (Hipper Valley Route) and the car park on Somersall Lane. This track is good in summer, but after rain or in the winter can be muddy.
  • As you leave Somersall Park turn right up Somersall Lane; this is one of the few road sections.
  • In the end, turn left and proceed East up Chatsworth Road, again on the road.
  • At the junction with Brookside Barr (2) the pavement becomes much wider and it’s usually possible to ride safely using this until you reach the junction with Holymoor Road. Please keep a look out for any cars leaving or entering driveways and pass any pedestrians courteously.
  • Reaching Holymoor Road, cross to the pavement on the opposite side of the road and continue up to Westwick Lane. There is a wide tarmac access road section that keeps you off Baslow Road until you reach the garage.
  • Turn right, back on yourself and you’re now on Westwick Lane, away from the busy roads you can continue along here until you reach Ashgate Road (4), take a left for 100 metres, and then cross to join the well surfaced bridleway, Woodnuck Lane, that will take you into Linacre reservoirs.
  • Take care on the descent; it can be a bit slippy when wet but is safe enough if you take your time.
  • Dropping into Linacre, you will approach an old bridge with a wide uphill path on the left, (5) take this and climb to reach the lower reservoir where you need to take the middle path through the gap in the fence to join the concessionary path around the lower, and onto the middle reservoirs.
  • As you see the top reservoir turn right across the front (6), please do not ride around the top reservoir as it is a wildlife area and cycling is not permitted on this path.
  • As you reach the far side of the reservoir, turn right downhill and follow this path until you reach a gate (7).
  • Through and turn left, follow this steep tarmac climb to its end with the B5060 Main Road, Cutthorpe, and turn right. Again, although there are suitable paths and tracks from the reservoir, there are no bridleways so the cyclist is forced to take a short road section.
  • Pass The Peacock at Cutthorpe, or perhaps call in for a refreshment! As you pass the Peacock you round a left-hand bend, shortly after this, you need to turn right into Greenlane. (8)
  • Drop to Holmebrook Valley Park. Take care through Hall Farm as it can be muddy, or if you time it badly, the cows may have crossed!
  • As you enter the woodland at the bottom of this track, stay right and follow the bridleway until you see the fishing pond at Holmebrook Valley Park.
  • Take a right turn over a bridge (9) then immediately left to follow the trail, take care as you cross the car park entrance and pass under Loundsley Green Road.
  • Round the edge of the playing field to reach Pennine Way, where care must be taken to cross the road and pick up the marked cycle route signposted into the town centre.
  • Cross Purbeck Avenue and be sure not to miss the left turn to pop out on Ashgate Valley Road (10).
  • Turn right onto Holmebank East, cross Ashgate Road, and proceed down Chester Street for a few hundred metres. Shortly after the park, you need to look out for a left-hand turn that will take you on a cycle trail towards town, passing behind the old gas cylinders (only one left).
  • Take the right at the end of the path and around the edge of the car park for the bingo hall.
  • You will arrive through an arch onto Chatsworth Road at Wheatbridge (11).
  • Follow the cycle route across the path around the island and then over the traffic lights at Wickes.
  • Stay slightly left and take the short path to reach Dock Walk and turn right following Dock Walk.
  • Continue onto Goyt Side Road (12) and carry straight on along the cycle track through the old Walton Works site.
  • At the end turn left along Walton Fields Road (13) then immediately right to join Bobbin Mill Lane.
  • Stay on Bobbin Mill Lane by turning left to meet Walton Road and back to your starting point at the dam.

Chesterfield Cycling

Find out more about getting on your bike in Chesterfield.  Our guide includes details of how you can get your bike serviced and get involved with the local cycling scene

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Children learn more about the Staveley Town Deal

60 local school children visited the canal where they learnt more about the projects being funded through the Staveley Town Deal.

Year six pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School were taken on a trip along the Chesterfield Canal by the Chesterfield Canal Trust after speaking with Ivan Fomin Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board about how the funding will change the town and canal.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It was fantastic to go along and meet these pupils and tell them more about the Town Deal. They had some really great questions and ideas. It’s really important that we engage with everyone about the town deal but particularly important to speak to young people because we want to build a town where they can live, grow and pursue a great career.”

During the visit the pupils travelled along the canal onboard The Madeline through the new Staveley Lock, before walking the length of the canal from Staveley canal basin to Tapton Lock. They also learnt about how the canal has changed over the past 100 years and how it will continue to change with funding through the Town Deal.

Geography field trips like this one are used to observe and record the physical and human geography features of the locations. The geographical focus on this trip was the land use in each area.

Over £25m worth of projects which will benefit Staveley residents for generations to come have been given the official go ahead, after Government approved the package of all eleven projects within the Staveley Town Deal Programme.

It is a significant milestone for the range of projects that will receive funding through the Towns Fund, which are being delivered by a variety of organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Staveley Town Council, Barrow Hill Community Trust, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and Tawnywood Ltd.

Together the projects offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents, create new employment opportunities with higher level skills, ensure it is a place where everyone can be proud to live and guarantee that the town and its residents have a bright future ahead – supporting Staveley as a place to start, stay and grow.

Find out more about regeneration in Staveley at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

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

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Recognition for Chesterfield Champions as finalists confirmed for Generation Next Awards

Some of the most promising young talent across businesses in the region has been recognised among the finalists of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next Awards 2022.

The shortlist includes Craig Evans of Chesterfield Champion business UKATA, who has been shortlisted for the Future Leader Award. The University of Derby’s Fred Gough also made the list of finalists for the Diversity & Inclusion award.

The second instalment of the awards, held in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby, recognise young professionals and business leaders aged under 35, as well as organisations led by people in this demographic.

A shortlist has now been revealed across the 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.

New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

A virtual judging day will take place on 8 and 9 June, in which finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber of commerce’s senior management team, Generation Next board and representative of the sponsor.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We received some brilliant applications from a diverse breadth of individuals, and our shortlist of finalists offers a glimpse into the amazing young talent that exists here in the East Midlands.”

Finalists were announced at an event held at Cosy Club, in Nottingham, last night (25 May) in which two of the three founders of Derby-based doughnut delivery service Project D – who won the Entrepreneur of the Year category at the inaugural Generation Next Awards – talked about their journey to date and hopes for the future.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Tickets cost £65 + VAT for Generation Next members and £75 + VAT for non-members. Early-bird tickets are available at bit.ly/GenNextAwards

UKATA, University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Generation Next Awards 2022 shortlist

Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby)

Craig Evans – UKATA

Matilda Swanson – Loates HR

Mir Patel – Unique Window Systems

Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment

Emma Roberts – Derby Community Parent Programme CIC

Dan Heffernan – D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

David Maran – MP Digital Limited

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

Umar Razah – Mauricare Homes

 

Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Sophie Redman – Linford Grey Associates

Kevin Kapezi & Leo Worsley – Growthack Ltd

 

Customer Service Award

Danielle Harkness – Plastek UK

James Hardwick – Future Life Wealth Management

Anxhela Agaci – Gents of Notts

Arran Gessey – Bam Boom Cloud

Ben Wilkinson – MHA MacIntyre Hudson

 

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College

Emily Jacob – emh group

Frank Hemmingway – Plastek UK

Polly Oakes – Express Recruitment

Rebecca Houlston – Cross Productions

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

 

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Fred Gough – University of Derby

Jake Wood – Jake Wood PT

Martin Croft – Barrister Link

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

 

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)

Adam Bamford – Colleague Box

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery

 

Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)

David Maran – MP Digital

Harsh Shah – De Montfort University

Jack Hall – Scenariio

Nicola Ciaessen – RSM UK

Rachel Saunders – Duncan & Toplis

 

Sustainability Award (sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson)

Carys Tetlaw – RSM UK

Daniel Kelk – Plastek UK

Jake Hall – Scenariio

 

Creative Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Deng Yudan – Follow the Orient

Joey Lever – Another World Media

Katie Brennan – Cross Productions

Sophie Price and Tom Dennis – My Town Vision

 

Volunteer Award (sponsored by RSM UK)

George Hanvere – Paragon Law

Izzy Plummer – TTK Confectionery

Taylor Gee – 360 Autoleasing East Midlands

2021 Generation Next Awards Ceremony

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Heart of Chesterfield included in Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio

The Midlands Engine partnership has launched the Midlands Investment Portfolio – a ‘digital front door’ opening up investment opportunities across the region, with the heart of Chesterfield included in the range of investment opportunities available across the region.

Taken together, it is estimated these opportunities could support or create a staggering 220,000 jobs and deliver more than £33bn in Gross Development Value.

Within the digital portfolio, the ‘Heart of Chesterfield’ entry states: “Through a range of significant regeneration and redevelopment underway across the town, Chesterfield is building on its industrial roots and market town heritage to become a contemporary destination with a prosperous future.

“Developments underway have already delivered new business units, office accommodation, innovation centres, modern housing, retail centres and new schools – and the town offers attractive investment opportunities in a range of schemes.

“Over the coming years, the town centre will be transformed through developments including Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway, Elder Way, public realm improvements and the delivery of the Chesterfield Station Masterplan.

“There are a range of opportunities available for investment including capital investment, residential, end-user occupiers and leisure and hotel operators.

“Chesterfield is a sub regional service centre for North Derbyshire, it has a great Town Centre that is steeped in history with a historic market but that is balanced by new investments and opportunities including the Levelling Up Fund.”

The Midlands Investment Portfolio showcases exceptional investment opportunities across Midlands core sector strengths. The Portfolio has been developed in collaboration with Midlands Engine partners, including the region’s local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, and leading promotion and investment agencies – to present the most complete picture currently available of Midlands priority investment propositions.

Working with Midlands champions in geographies across the world, the Portfolio now becomes a vital asset for their continued advocacy and support for the economic growth and future prosperity of the region.

The Portfolio forms the keystone of Midlands Engine’s involvement at the UK Real Estate Infrastructure Investment Forum (UKREiiF). Throughout the Forum, the Midlands Engine partnership will showcase the region’s strengths in support of the urgent need to level up and drive economic growth and prosperity.

Explore the Portfolio here.

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “The Midlands offering to the world has always been prodigious – from our heritage as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, to the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed right now in sectors as diverse as health and life sciences, digital and clean energy. The Midlands Investment Portfolio showcases the exceptional breadth of our region’s investment potential in one place – a comprehensive resource to pinpoint the primary investment opportunities our wonderful region has to offer. As Midlands Engine partners continue our work, together, to accelerate growth and prosperity in our region, the Portfolio will be a vital tool in our collaborative efforts to drive inward investment.”

Minister for Investment, Lord Grimstone said: “The Midlands Investment Portfolio provides a world-leading resource to maximise investment into the region which will support jobs, boost the local economy and level up the UK. This government is committed to supporting the Midlands Engine through trade and investment, thanks to my department’s support and ambition in signing Free-Trade Agreements that will benefit every region of the UK.”

Minister for Levelling Up, Neil O’Brien MP said: “The Midlands is home to a hotbed of talent across a range of important sectors. With this investment portfolio, the Midlands Engine have done a great job of showcasing the very best investment opportunities across the region.

“The Government is working to ensure the Midlands Engine continues to fire on all cylinders as we deliver our mission of levelling up every corner of the country.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

New fitness facility set to move into The Glass Yard

A brand-new fitness studio is set to open at Chesterfield’s newly-opened Glass Yard development, just off Sheffield Road.

Studio One is being opened by SRW Fitness owner Seb Walker, who started the business in 2007 and has been personal training in Chesterfield for more than 15 years. In that time SRWFitness has been based in 3 local gyms, a local park and clients homes.

Having previously being forced to go into online personal training as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Seb admitted he was delighted to be welcoming customers to the new centre.

He said: “The Glass Yard is a fantastic location for the studio, just out of the town centre and easy to get to. There is 2 hours free parking so my clients can arrive knowing they can park and walk straight into their session not worrying about any additional parking costs or trying to find a space. The main positive for me is being part of something new and exciting, having a brand-new space surrounded by other likeminded businesses that complement each other is just perfect.

“It’s a brilliant place to launch my first studio and everyone I meet is impressed with the whole development.  I think it’s different to anything else around here and it really adds something to Chesterfield and surrounding areas.”

Studio One is described as ‘not your regular fitness facility;’ visitors will not find banks of treadmills or fixed resistance machines. The studio has been specifically designed with movement in mind, where all over body exercises are facilitated by a multifunctional rig, bands, bars, weights and balls just to name a few.

There is a large AstroTurf space for group sessions and classes and a collection of top of the range cardio equipment with treadmill, concept 2 rower and skierg, as well as Technogym spinning bikes for indoor cycling classes. This space enables a plethora of exercise to be delivered and any exercise you would perform on traditional gym equipment can be replicated with ease, and some.

There are other pieces of equipment, such as the fantastic interactive blazepods that help with balance, reaction speed and all other manner of things. The studio has been meticulously designed to maximise the useable space and deliver a unique fun experience for clients. With clients’ age ranging from 16 to 90 years old it caters for all and has classes and programs to suit most needs.

Seb continued: “The aim of developing the studio is to create a facility where people can feel comfortable and at ease to exercise in a supportive, safe, clean, and friendly environment. With all my experiences over the past 25+ years in the fitness industry and previously basing the business in commercial gyms I have taken all the great aspects I’ve seen and wrapped them into a state-of-the-art fitness studio.

“The community and support network that I want to create for my clients is built on my passion to help people achieve what they might think is impossible. That’s not just a body transformation but things like moving pain free, reducing or coming off medication. Increasing self-esteem, improving mental health and so much more.

“The vision for Studio One is to be the go-to fitness studio in Chesterfield for health, weight loss, and lifestyle transformations. To provide the support, guidance, and knowhow to enable all my clients to achieve their goals but more importantly maintain them effortlessly for life. This is not just another gym this is something completely different.

“The philosophy to Studio One is Mind – Body – Move. A three-pronged process that focuses on three key areas to success. The ‘Mind’, addressing the habits and choices that are hampering your progression. Secondly, ‘Body’, what you are putting in your body and how to adjust your diet that doesn’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of happiness! Then finally ‘Move’, this is the exercise that will feel more like you’re having fun and less like you’ve just enlisted in the army. If you enjoy it, you will stick to it effortlessly!”

The exercise offerings available at the studio include:

  • SRW45 classes; These are 45 minute sessions similar to traditional bootcamp with up to 16 people,
  • SRW1-6; Group personal training I hour sessions with a maximum of 6 people tailor fitted to your needs and also offer a one-to-one personal training option too.

The studio is also working with local businesses, running bespoke classes and team building sessions for them. These are arranged at times to suit so staff can finish work and attend the session or go before work too.

Studio One is also linking up with other local health and fitness businesses and offering a space to deliver specialised exercise classes from some of the best instructors in the area.

Seb explained why he was so passionate about promoting health and fitness in the local community: “For me this isn’t work, it’s something I love doing. You know that when you are heading home from your summer holiday and you’re excited to get back to ‘work’ that you have found something that is more than just an income.

“I love working with clients, understanding their needs, and helping them achieve what they desire but also have some fun along the way. Exercise doesn’t need to be scary, and a good session isn’t measured on how much pain you are in the next day. There is no set standard, no one size fits all training method, the training starts with what you can do and then ends up morphing into being able to do what you never imagined possible.

“You just need to find something you enjoy, something that doesn’t feel like you’re ‘exercising’. This however doesn’t have to involve a gym or a personal trainer and can be anything that gets your heart pumping and a bit breathless. However, before embarking on a new fitness regime asking a health and fitness professional for guidance is a no brainer to ensure you’re safe to start. The benefits of being active are undeniably positive both physically and mentally you just need to get the right guidance, find something that works for you and be consistent!”

“Creating my own studio is something I’ve strived for over a number of years but with all the challenges over the past 2 years it’s created a perfect storm of opportunity. The opportunity to be part of something like the Glass Yard was too much of a draw to miss out on and I can’t wait to push on and see how far I can grow the business in the future.

To view the session schedule customers can download the app ‘gymcatch’ and search for SRWFitness – Studio One.

You can also find out more on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SRWFitnessPersonalTraining or at https://www.srwfitness.co.uk/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Little Dessert Shop announces move to new Chesterfield town centre location

A new eatery serving up sweet treats for Chesterfield residents and visitors is set to open early next month.

Little Dessert Shop is an established brand, providing customers with a range of tasty dishes such as waffles, pancakes, milkshakes and indulgent cookie dough.

The store is launching with a special promotional offer, with the first 1,000 cutomers able to order one of Little Dessert Shop’s waffles for 99p.

Little Dessert Shop will not just be available as an eat-in store, but will also be available to order on delivery apps Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

The store will be located at 35, Holywell Street and is set to open on 4th June 2022.

A spokesperson for Little Dessert Shop commented: “We are taking our iconic menu featuring our legendary sweet treats to Holywell Street and we couldn’t be more excited!

“Prepare yourself for an authentic dining experience like no other, where you have the options of takeaway and collection. Alternatively, you can order one of our innovative desserts directly to your doorstep using our website or the official Little Dessert Shop app.

“Little Dessert Shop on Holywell Street will be the new home of all our stunning waffles and pancakes, likewise our indulgent cookie dough combinations and delicious milkshakes. There is no shortage of options as you prepare to embark upon a journey of insatiable pleasure.

“If you’re eating alone or socialising with friends, what better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than ordering a delicately handcrafted Little Dessert Shop treat?

“Whether it’s from our local bakery or made fresh in-store, each and every one of our products are baked to perfection as we endeavour to provide our customers with the most sumptuous desserts. Our artisanal bakers use only the finest ingredients, ensuring every mouthful is truly memorable.

“Eager dessert fans have waited patiently for this moment, we’re delighted to announce the wait is finally over and we have an awesome offer to greet you with!

“We’re not waffling… Our 99p offer starts at 2 pm SHARP- See you there Chesterfield! #OriginalOrNothing”

To find out more about eating out in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/

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