About Chesterfield

Community Chesterfield expands training offering

Community Chesterfield is expanding the offering of its most popular training programme by providing subsidised tickets to anyone in Derbyshire.

The project, a National Lottery funded partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby which supports local community and voluntary groups within the health and social care sector in Chesterfield, launched its Training and Tea sessions – 45-minute bite size introductions to a range of topics – during the pandemic.

The training has previously only available for free to University of Derby staff and students with a connection to Chesterfield, as well as those working at or volunteering for Derbyshire-based ‘not for profit’ community organisations helping people in Chesterfield.

However, some paid for tickets will now be available on each Training and Tea workshop for anyone living or working in Derbyshire.

Kate burns, skills co-ordinator at Community Chesterfield, said: “One of the key aims of the Community Chesterfield project is to upskill, develop and share knowledge within the voluntary and community sector in Chesterfield, and training was identified as a key way in which we could provide this support.

“Our Training and Tea sessions have been one of our most successful offerings since we moved to an online delivery model at the start of the pandemic. By being able to expand places on the workshops to anyone in Derbyshire, we can reach a wider demographic of voluntary and community sector groups, as well as individuals and businesses across the county who can benefit from the variety of topics we cover.

“This is an exciting development for the Community Chesterfield project and will enhance our reputation for creating exciting and innovative collaborations, providing an opportunity to expand on our already extensive network across Chesterfield.”

Community Chesterfield, which has provided a key support network for the voluntary and community sector during the pandemic, has delivered almost 1,000 training hours in the last 12 months alone, benefitting individuals from more than 100 organisations.

Subsidised Training and Tea tickets are available priced at £10 plus fees. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.communitychesterfield.org.uk for more information.

Community Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Free online event set to help school leavers access apprenticeships and training opportunities in Derbyshire

A brand new virtual event is being held for young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire who find themselves at a careers crossroads since leaving school.

The free ‘Apprentice Town – Find Your Apprenticeship’ event is taking place on Tuesday 10 August – A Level results day and just two days before GCSE results day on Thursday 12August. It is designed to showcase apprenticeship vacancies and support available to both Year 11 and 13 school leavers.

Held online to ensure it is as accessible to as many young people as possible Destination Chesterfield is working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the event as part of the Apprentice Town initiative.

To ensure the event is easily accessible, pre-registration is not necessary; it’s just a case a clicking a MS Teams or Zoom weblink on the day at www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/apprentice-town-find-your-apprenticeship

The event brings together seven apprenticeship and training providers from across North Derbyshire, including Apprentice Team, Buxton and Leek College, Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, GBS Apprenticeships, Juniper Training and University of Derby.

During the day-long online event, which begins at 10am, each provider will deliver a 45-minute session on the wide variety of opportunities and training available. Available opportunities range from Kickstart placements and college courses as well as apprenticeship vacancies currently available in Chesterfield, across a range of occupations including Beauty Therapy and the police force as well as many more.

Delighted to be involved in the initiative Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “This event provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the benefits of apprenticeships and the wide range of opportunities available in the local area. We are delighted to be able to share the range of exciting vacancies on offer and highlight the support we can offer to people looking to develop skills whilst earning a wage and developing a career.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: Apprenticeships are fantastic for both the employer and employee. We’re lucky in Chesterfield that we have a strong network of apprenticeship providers, with lots of experience in ensuring a placement helps the apprentice gain new skills, while also providing support and guidance to the employer.

“There are always lots of varied apprenticeship opportunities available in Chesterfield. This event will promote what’s on offer and support both employers and individuals to access them. As an Apprentice Town we are committed to raising awareness and increasing participation in apprenticeships and we would encourage anyone who is looking for the first step into work – or a change of career direction – to get involved in the event and see what local opportunities are available.”

For a full itinerary of the free ‘Apprentice Town – Find Your Apprenticeship’ event and to access all training providers talks and Q&A sessions visit free www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/apprentice-town-find-your-apprenticeship/

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Shortlist revealed for 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

The very best Chesterfield-based businesses and developments have been revealed by Destination Chesterfield.

35 finalists have been named in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, which is set to be the first in-person awards ceremony held by the organisation since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

Recognising the heroes of the business community over the last 18 months, Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards have been combined to create the new awards. After what has been a challenging time during the pandemic, the awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability.

Members of the public nominated their favourite businesses throughout May. The nominations have now been counted and reviews have been assessed by Destination Chesterfield, resulting in a 35-strong shortlist across 12 categories.

The winners of the Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM, will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 20 October 2021.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We are delighted to be hosting our first in-person awards since the pandemic hit and celebrating Chesterfield’s heroic businesses, people and projects in person once more.

“Businesses still need our support more than ever but, with most legal restrictions in the UK now lifted, I think we’re well on our way to a full recovery and thriving future for the town. We’re looking forward to recognising everyone who has played a role in the town’s economic survival.”

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards include:

Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants

Chesterfield Waterside – One Waterside Place

The Glass Yard – Whittington Moor

Northern Gateway – Elder Way

 

Restaurant of the Year – presented by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management

Chesters

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Lombardi’s

 

Café of the Year – open for sponsorship

The Café at Libby’s

Filippelli’s Bistro & Bar

Vintage Tea Rooms

 

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Addooco IT

The Market Pub

Rose and Crown, Brampton

The Tickled Trout

 

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Crooked Pickle Co

Granny Mary’s

Teresa Lambarelli’s

 

Best New Hospitality Business – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

El Café Verde, Whittington Moor (opened 2020)

The Old Post Restaurant, Chesterfield town centre (reopened 2020)

Sicily Restaurant, Sheffield Road (opened 2019)

 

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

Chesters

Filippelli’s Bistro & Bar

Monkey Park Café

 

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

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Dotique

Huckleberry Willow

Shop Indie

 

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Chesterfield College Group

Lottie’s Sandwich Bar, Saltergate (opened 2020)

Clarissa’s Interiors, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (opened 2020)

Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Soresby Street (opened 2021)

 

Independent High Street Business – open for sponsorship

Bee Orchid Home & Gifts

Fred’s Haberdashery

One Nine Three Hair Beauty

 

Excellence in Customer Service – open for sponsorship

Love Brewing

Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

The Therapy Lounge

 

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Brockwell Books

Ginspired

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2021 include the Sustainability Award, Community Contribution, Entrepreneur of the Year and Apprentice of the Year.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

Peter Currey, Managing Director at EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management commented: “It’s been great to be involved with the run up to the Love Chesterfield Awards and it’s exciting to see so many local businesses getting involved. Equally, it’s brilliant to see so many local businesses getting recognition for their hard work and effort that is put into delivering their products and services.”

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

Destination Chesterfield has a few sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the town, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

“More Endangered than a Giant Panda” – Rare breed foal bred at Chatsworth

A critically endangered Suffolk Punch foal is now home at Chatsworth and charming visitors and employees alike as the estate’s rare breeds programme bears its first fruit.

Eugenie, the Chatsworth Farmyard mare successfully gave birth in April to a beautiful colt foal, who has been named Huxley. The pair have now returned from the stud farm to take up residence in the farmyard.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust considers Suffolk Punch horses to be critically endangered. There are fewer than 500 purebred Suffolk horses registered in the UK now, and Eugenie is one of only 72 female Suffolk punches, making them more endangered than the Giant Panda. Huxley is one of the finest colts born this year and is a significant addition to the breeding programme.

Farmyard team member Rachel Kearsey said: “The farmyard team are thrilled to welcome back Eugenie and Huxley. Eugenie was pleased to return to the farmyard – whinnying with excitement when the trailer bought her back into the yard.

“Huxley has been a huge hit with visitors. He was very shy to begin with but his cheeky personality is now showing through.”

Huxley and Eugenie spend their day in the bottom yard at the farmyard entrance and spend the evenings out in the farmyard paddocks.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar chickens, with British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) awarded RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard earlier this year, recognising its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. Chatsworth Farmyard is now part of the 25-strong network of RBST accredited farm parks which take part in crucial conservation programmes, manage special breeding groups, and support education about rare breeds and why they matter.

While Chatsworth is looking forward to being able to welcome more people back to the estate following the easing of restrictions on 19 July, the health and wellbeing of visitors and colleagues remains its number one priority. Key measures will include requiring visitors aged 11 years and upwards to wear a face covering in the house and encouraging use in all other indoor areas, such as the restaurants and gift shops

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground is open daily. For advance tickets and opening times, please visit www.chatsworth.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Love Chesterfield Community Market Launches

People are being invited to show their appreciation for local community and voluntary organisations which provided a lifeline during the pandemic, with the launch of a new Love Chesterfield Community Market event being held this summer.

The family-friendly day will give local charities, community and voluntary organisations a chance to promote their work and raise much-needed funds following the challenges of the last 18 months.

It is being organised by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the new-look summer events programme, and will be a chance for local people to come together and say thank you for the vital support which these grassroots organisations provide to the borough’s residents.

Local groups are now being invited to book their free place at the market, which will be held in Chesterfield town centre on Tuesday 10 August.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Over the last year the community and voluntary sector has been a lifeline for our community and this is our chance to thank them and to help support their fundraising efforts to ensure they can continue the incredible work that they do.”

There will be a variety of stalls, street food, walkabout entertainment and small funfair rides. A competition for the best dressed stall will also run on the day.

Regular market traders will also be able to book a place on the Market for just £10 per stall with all money raised going to the Mayor’s Appeal, which is raising funds for The Volunteer Centre – Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield Samaritans this year.

Local charity, voluntary and community organisations are being invited to take a free stall on the market to promote the work that they do and fundraise. Stalls will need to be prebooked in advance via www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading.

The Love Chesterfield campaign is being run by the council and Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to discover or rediscover the great shopping and leisure experiences that the town centre and high streets have to offer, as restrictions continue to ease. People can find out more at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield

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Prominent former council building to be converted into dozens of apartments

A building on the edge of Chesterfield Town Centre is set to be given a new lease of life, with work starting on the conversion of the former North East Derbyshire District Council offices on Saltergate.

The developer, Homes by Holmes has unveiled plans to turn the prominent building into 59 contemporary apartments, with a generous split of three bed, two bed and one bed properties.

Despite being in such a prominent location in the town, the property has stood vacant for over four years. However the company says it plans to bring the building back to its former glory.

The firm has outlined a 24-month build timescale for full completion, with an aim of having the first phase of apartments ready for occupation before Christmas 2022.

Homes by Holmes believes the project will bring countless benefits to the town, including job prospects and work for local businesses, contributing towards the revival of the town centre and high-street retailers with increased footfall, and an opportunity for local residents to get on the property ladder in the face of current housing shortages.

Securing the development also means a lot to the company’s owner, James Holmes, who grew up working on the Chesterfield’s historic markets.

He said: “I’m extremely pleased to have secured this development because of my family’s connections to Chesterfield. I see it as a big responsibility to regenerate the building and the immediate vicinity.

“I’m proud of the fact that I’ve built the business into a position that we can make a difference in the town I have such a connection to, particularly in a building that is so high-profile. I really think we’re bringing something better here.

“Subject to us getting planning permission by the end of the month, I would expect the first phase to take around 15 months and we’re hoping for the second phase to only be six months behind that, with a potential third phase taking around a year.”

The company has already taken steps to make the site more pleasing on the eye, including the installation of colourful banners in the windows of the building to celebrate the Chesterfield ‘In-Bloom’ campaign, which aims to make the town a cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit.

To find out more about the wide range of regeneration taking place across Chesterfield, go to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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Chesterfield families are encouraged to get moving as council backs local smartphone game

A new family-friendly game that aims to get people exploring Chesterfield – on foot or by pushbike – is being backed as part of a Chesterfield Borough Council project.

TagTap JTH (Join The Hunt) is a free exploration-based game created by local family man Peter Hunt after he and his family enjoyed playing the popular Beat The Street game which ran in Chesterfield last year.

Inspired by its ability encourage people to get out and about across the borough, the council has now joined forces with the creator to back the smartphone-based game as part of its Year of Outdoors project.

It means from the 17 July there are 350 points around the borough to check into, including in many of the fantastic parks and green spaces – expanding the game from its initial testing in New and Old Whittington.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “We’re really excited to be working with Tag Tap to help bring this game to Chesterfield. It’s great to see local people innovating new ideas and it ties in really well with our Year of Outdoors project, which encourages people to explore the great things we have on our doorstep.

“We hope this game will help encourage everyone to get out this summer and explore our beautiful borough – it’s a fantastic way to keep little ones entertained during the school holidays, but is also really fun to explore on your own.”

Peter Hunt, the creator of TagTap JTH explained: “I initially thought of TagTap JTH during lockdown as a fun way for my kids to get active but also with the element of a clue or question to find the next location as a sneaky way to incorporate a bit of education. After setting up a small game in the New and Old Whittington areas and inviting others to have a go it really took on a life of its own. We have only had extremely positive feedback and everyone that plays it absolutely loves it.

“We have expended the game to cover the whole of the chesterfield borough area with well over 350 tags, we hope this will give everyone young and old a chance to have a go at the game and to get active especially after the terrible 18 months we have had to endure. Our main objective is to get people out being active in a fun way, so lets do it together, get competing and winning some prizes. Best of all it’s free.”

The game has starting locations around the borough which you can find listed in the app. Simply head to one of these TagTaps then with the app open on your phone, tap the point and you’ll be given clues to find the next location, solve the clues and hunt out the next point.

There is a leaderboard of players and participants will need to find as many points as possible to be named the TagTap Champion.

The game will run all year but the championship will be time limited meaning hunters will need to be quick to work their way up the leaderboard. There will also be a competition amongst schools later this year.

Find out more about TagTap JTH and download the apps for free to start playing by visiting: https://tagtap.co.uk/

Chesterfield’s Year of Outdoors encourages residents and visitors to explore Chesterfield’s parks and open spaces by providing a range of free or low cost ideas and activities to get involved in. Find out more on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/year-of-outdoors

Find out more about all the great local events taking place across Chesterfield this Summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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Talented Chesterfield professionals recognised at inaugural ‘Generation Next’ Awards

Talented young people working within several Chesterfield businesses have been given recognition at East Midlands Chamber’s first ever Generation Next Awards.

The ceremony celebrated emerging talent across the whole region, with Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio, GBS Apprenticeships and Banner Jones Solicitors named amongst the winners.

The Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award was given to Tony Buck, who has led Chesterfield-based creative design studio Oasis Studio’s EyeSiteView team, which is aiming to transform how residential property is traded by using virtual and immersive technology.

Coral Guard of GBS Apprenticeships took home the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ accolade, on the same day as the company’s grand opening of its new offices at Chesterfield’s Markham House.

The winner of the Customer Service Award was announced as Jenna Hadfield, who works for Chesterfield’s Banner Jones Solicitors as a will writer, based at the company’s offices on Glumangate and in Dronfield.

East Midlands Chamber director of resources and Generation Next lead Lucy Robinson said: “Generation Next is a really exciting new initiative from the Chamber and we’re delighted to have held our first major event, which was a fantastic showcase of the amazing young talent we have across the East Midlands.

“Young people don’t always receive the recognition they deserve but we hope that celebrating their achievements will provide the confidence they need to continue growing as they develop within their careers.

“Our winners are an incredible advert for our region’s entrepreneurial instincts and we can’t wait to continue supporting them as their careers develop.”

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor and dean of the University of Derby’s College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “Since the University of Derby became a partner in the Generation Next scheme earlier this year, it has been fantastic to see how it is providing valuable support to young professionals across our region, and I would like to congratulate the East Midlands Chamber on developing this very welcome initiative.

“Celebrating the success of young people through these awards demonstrates the huge talent that exists across all areas of employment and enterprise. Recognising innovation and impact, entrepreneurial skills and the positive effect of volunteering in our communities are excellent measures of their skill, knowledge and dedication.

“Leadership is a vitally important quality which we integrate across our curriculum at the University of Derby and deliver to our local business community, so the Generation Next Future Leader Award, which we have sponsored, is a particularly exciting category for us, identifying those who have already made a significant contribution to their industry and have the potential to make a real difference in their field.”

Generation Next was established by East Midlands Chamber last year as a network for young professionals to make connections, build new skills and advance their careers.

It features networking sessions and educational events on topics such as marketing, brand awareness, sales and personal finance, as well as the awards.

A board of 12 “champions”, consisting of young people in the East Midlands business community and two University of Derby students, lead the network.

The Generation Next Awards will be broadcast again by Notts TV in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Generation Next network, visit generationnextemc.co.uk.

Generation Next Awards 2021 winners

Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)

Winner:

Daniel Jones – Professional Heating Solutions

Finalists:

Holly Daulby – Honest Communications

Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond – Project D

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Junyi Xiao – W&W Trading and Consulting

 

Excellence in Innovation & Technology Award (sponsored by GBS Apprenticeships)

Winner:

Tony Buck – EyeSiteView (Division of Oasis Studio)

Finalists:

Rikan Patel and Tanrik Patel – Business 2 Business

 

The Community Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)

Winner:

Charlotte Robey Turner – Leicestershire Cares

Finalists:

George Hanvere and Elliot Dipper – Paragon Law

Nisha Pahuja – Charnwood Regency Guesthouse Limited

Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery

 

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Loughborough College)

Winner:

Coral Guard – GBS Limited

Finalists:

Chloe Newton – BEDE Events

Chris Guard – GBS Limited

Chloe Deville – Hardy Signs

Olly Torrence – Purpose Media

 

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton)

Winner:

Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond – Project D

Finalists:

Trent Peek – CCM Group

Holly Daulby – Honest Communications

Jordana Chin – Nutri2Go Ltd

Aaron Gent – Aroment

 

Customer Service Award (sponsored by East Midlands Chamber)

Winner:

Jenna Hadfield – Banner Jones Solicitors

Finalists:

Beth Bearder – Keebles

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

Emily Marriott – Order Blinds Online

Evie Margetts – Corporate Architecture

 

Generation Next Future Leader Award (sponsored by the University of Derby)

Winner:

Kate Walker – ExpHand Prosthetics

Finalists:

Edward Morley – Rise & Recline

Harry Dodge – Far-UK

Leah Binney – TTK Confectionery

Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment

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Chesterfield Businesses encouraged to apply for Peak District & Derbyshire tourism awards

Applications are now open for the 2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, offering tourism and hospitality businesses the fantastic opportunity to achieve local and national recognition.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in the area’s tourism sector, shining a spotlight on deserving businesses and individuals across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

There are 15 categories in total covering different aspects of the visitor economy, from B&Bs, hotels and campsites to attractions, experiences and delicious local food and drink.

Applications for the 2022 awards are open until 19th September 2021 and finalists will be named in October. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2022, with Gold winners in the 13 core categories progressing on to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the chance to achieve national glory.

2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Award Categories:

  • 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
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Resilience and Innovation Award
  • Team of the Year Award (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever Award (Local Award)

Details of all categories and how to apply are available at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

In recognition of the exceptional work undertaken by the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for the 2022 awards: the Unsung Hero Award and the Resilience and Innovation Award.

Two new local categories – Team of the Year and Tourism Young Achiever – have also been introduced to celebrate the thousands of people employed by the tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are run by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the European Regional Development Fund and C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After a difficult year for the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards offer a timely opportunity to recognise the area’s many innovative and resilient tourism businesses, and the passionate people behind them.

“These awards are a celebration of the tourism sector and the huge contribution it makes to the Peak District & Derbyshire’s economy. They are also a fantastic chance for businesses to recognise the hard work of their teams, and entering these local awards is the only way to qualify for the national VisitEngland awards. We urge everyone to get their applications in as soon as possible!”

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 £150 plus VAT per category. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

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GBS Apprenticeships expands into new Chesterfield town centre offices

Chesterfield-based training provider GBS Apprenticeships has expanded its operations, by moving into a new premises at Chesterfield’s Markham House.

GBS provides a wide range of training programmes, with courses ranging from one-day tailored solutions to employer-led apprenticeship programmes that support businesses in sustainable growth.

The company was previously situated in Chesterfield’s Market Hall, however the move to Markham House comes after a period of significant growth over the last few years.

Chesterfield MP and Shadow Minister for Apprenticeships & Skills, Toby Perkins was in attendance at the event.

Declaring the new GBS office officially open, he said: “It’s really important that there is a huge investment in the next generation so it is fantastic to have worked with GBS Apprenticeships over the last year or so. I’ve actually got an apprentice from GBS working in my office too.

“I think it really is important that we make sure all businesses know we can invest in the next generation coming through, and that there is funding there to support businesses who want to take an apprentice on.”

Steven Guard, CEO at GBS Apprentices commented: “We now have three really good-sized training rooms and can accommodate a lot more people in the centre. It is really ideal having the job centre nearby and other services around us to make a difference locally providing a quality education to young adults and older apprentices too.

“What we want to do with this centre is make it a resource for Chesterfield. Not only is it a great centre for us to deliver our training, we want it to be a facility for other partnerships and initiatives in Chesterfield to use as a venue to further the initiatives that are going on here.

“We’re aiming to be a digital centre and really start to be able to equip people with those vital digital skills that can get them on those career paths. We want to be that go-to place where people can come. We’ll never stop speaking to people and giving advice to people. We need to have that community of providers to make the best of what we have here in Chesterfield.”

GBS Apprentices support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Chesterfield Canal cruises to restart

Cruising on the Chesterfield Canal is back, thanks to the latest easing of lockdown restrictions this month.

With the scrapping of social distancing rules, the Chesterfield Canal Trust will be getting its fleet of four tripboats back into action.

First in line will be Madeline running trips from Hollingwood Hub in Staveley on Saturday 24th July. This will be followed by John Varley ll at Tapton Lock in Chesterfield on Sunday 25th.

Sunday will also see Hugh Henshall cruising from the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop and Seth Ellis hosting Pirate trips in Retford.

The Trust has a host of cruises lined up running from 20 minute taster trips to 6 hour cruises, including the popular Cake & Cruise and Strawberry Cream Tea cruise.

Sarah Stephens, the Trustee in charge of tripboats, said: “We have been running a few charter cruises with very strict Covid rules since May, but now our crews are delighted to be able to get back to our regular public trips.”

Altogether there are 17 different types and lengths of trips running from 8 different venues. Prices vary from £2 to £22.

To see the full list go to the Trust’s website by searching for Chesterfield Canal Trust. It is also possible to charter any of the boats for £60 an hour for up to 12 passengers.

All the boats will still be taking precautions such as proper cleaning regimes, hand sanitising and good ventilation. The wearing of masks will be welcome.

The Trust will also be partnering with Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council this September, for the return of the popular Tapton Lock Festival.

The two-day event will include music and performance, along with giving attendees a chance to try their hands at arts and crafts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Canal event

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