About Chesterfield

Citizens Advice Chesterfield appoints youngest ever trustee

Phoebe Sellars (22) has been appointed as the youngest ever trustee of Citizens Advice Chesterfield.

Phoebe, who hails from Chesterfield and is a Business Development Manager at Chesterfield-based bridging finance company Bridge Help, will be officially voted in as a trustee of the charity later this month.

Welcoming her to the volunteer role, Linda Moore, Chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “Phoebe’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious and, as a charity, we need people like her to help raise awareness of our cause and appeal to a broader audience. Quite often people don’t realise that we are a charity and as such, we do need to raise funds. We are delighted to welcome her on board.”

As a trustee, Phoebe will help create, shape and deliver a strategy that supports the aims and principles of Citizens Advice Chesterfield which is to provide help to those who are in need in the local area.

Phoebe is no stranger to charity work. Last year she was responsible for organising Bridge Help’s Christmas collection for Chesterfield Food Bank. It resulted in more than £1500 of much- needed food and toiletries being donated by the local business community.

Delighted to take up the role of trustee, Phoebe said: “This is a real honour for me. I live and work in Chesterfield and feel passionately about strengthening the community that I live in, work in and love. Citizens Advice Chesterfield does such good work for so many people in my home town.

“I’m really eager to take on this new challenge in my life. The pandemic has hit many young people hard and as a young person, who has been very fortunate to have had the opportunities in life that I have had, I really want to give something back. Becoming a trustee with Citizens Advice Chesterfield is an excellent way for me to do this.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice, which is based at Broad Pavement, helps people who live within the borough of Chesterfield, by providing support with debt and money advice, financial skills, fuel poverty, welfare benefits and advice at GP and community settings. It is part of the national Citizens Advice network which through independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

The national Citizens Advice charity was established in 1939 to meet the needs of a civilian population during war time. Since then, the network of independent charities has become a vital service to many people with problems and in need of good quality independent advice. During the pandemic, the charity faced unprecedented challenges with the demand for their services rapidly increasing. In their busiest week, their website alone had 2.4 million views.

To access advice and support from Chesterfield Citizens Advice, please contact 0808 278 7843.

Citizens Advice Chesterfield and Bridge Help 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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Plans to revitalise Chesterfield Market

The rejuvenation of Chesterfield Market is moving forward as Chesterfield Borough Council considers ambitious plans to create a vibrant open-air shopping experience with new event space, seating, and landscaping

Drawn up following a first round of consultation with local market traders, town centre businesses and residents, the draft Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Vision Master Plan is to go before the council’s Cabinet on 20 July.

If approved, the draft Master Plan will be subject to further consultation before specific delivery plans are finalised – with initial work set to begin early 2022.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Like towns everywhere, Chesterfield must address the challenges that the rise in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre, a trend that has been further worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Chesterfield Borough Council recognises the need to invest now to make sure Chesterfield town centre remains modern, vibrant, and relevant.

“As the heart and soul of our town centre, we must do all we can to make sure that Chesterfield Market continues to prosper in the modern world, as a destination of choice for traders, residents, and visitors.

“The council’s ambitious plans lay down a new vision for Chesterfield Market and have been drawn up following a first round of consultation with local market traders, town centre businesses and residents.

Key proposals include:

  • The re-siting of market stalls currently located in New Square and on Low Pavement into a single market ground of 100 stalls in Market Square – creating a more defined and vibrant market area. The area will also include a flexible events space.
  • The re-modelling of New Square as a flexible events space – able to hold large-scale events, and accommodate temporary installations and active edges linked to local bars and restaurants
  • Upgrades to the paving to improve the quality while also making it more accessible for people dependent on wheelchairs, pushchairs, or mobility aids
  • The introduction of new seating areas and attractive landscaping to create spaces where people want to sit and chat whilst taking in what the town has to offer
  • The planting of more trees to increase biodiversity and improve the street scene
  • Brighter, more vibrant stall coverings and flexible stalls supplied with water, better lighting and digital connectivity

The proposals have also been developed with due regard for the Conservation Area including giving greater prominence to the Market Hall and the town pump, which is currently obscured, by opening-up the public space in these areas.

If approved, the proposals will be subject to a consultation period running from 2 August to 12 September 2021.

Councillor Sarvent added: “Many elements of the draft Vision Master Plan reflect what market traders, town centre businesses and residents have already told us they want to see from a revamped Chesterfield Market.

“If approved, the draft Vision Master Plan will be subject to further consultation. I would therefore encourage as many people as possible to take a look and have their say on the future of Chesterfield town centre and in particular, the key proposals for our treasured market grounds.”

The council has already secured £1.15m funding through the Derbyshire Business Rates Pilot and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Further funding for later phases is being sought as part of a bid that the council has recently submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the second phase of consultation will be carried out via a virtual exhibition.

Exhibition documents will also be available to view at Chesterfield Market Hall and interested parties will also be able to obtain paper copies of the questionnaire from the council’s Customer Services Centre, just off New Square.

Discover more about development and regeneration projects taking place across Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction

New festival aims to build on town’s recent plastic-free accolade

Chesterfield campaign group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, is aiming to build on their recent Plastic Free Community award by organising a Plastic Free Festival, taking place on Sunday 8th August, 10am-5pm on New Square at Chesterfield market.

Organisers say the Plastic Free Festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics. At the event, festival-goers can enjoy a plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, with businesses such as the award-winning Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Elsie Moss Botanical, Astra Designs UK and Smarties Fruit & Veg.

Alongside the stalls will be craft recycling and upcycling workshops provided by local crafters. And to provide a festival-feel, there’ll be live music and dance performances along with food and drink courtesy of local Plastic Free Champion business, El Cafe Verde.

Special guest performances on the day include Nick Toczec, Yorkshire poet and entertainer, as well as the Chesterfield Garland Dancers. Local budding poets are being asked to take part in a Plastic Free Poetry competition, with winners performing at the festival itself.

So that the event can live up to its name, attendees will be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, cups, coffee mugs and containers. And two Crooked Spire branded festival cups (a reusable coffee cup and a half pint cup), sponsored by local Chesterfield businesses, will be available either to loan or buy at the event.

 

The festival is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, with over £700 of funding for the event coming from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy grant scheme.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead said: “The Plastic Free Festival will be a really great opportunity to show off the fantastic work that the Chesterfield community have achieved so far to reduce their single-use plastics, celebrating our recent Plastic Free Community accreditation. The festival is the first of its kind in the area and aims to help the public to discover some fantastic local independent businesses, of which all are reducing their plastic footprint.”

“We are delighted that not only has Chesterfield Borough Council given us some funding to be able to run the event, they’ve also given us permission to hold the festival on New Square on Chesterfield market. It will be a great family fun day out.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be funding the Plastic Free Festival, by working together with the community we can make real changes that will help improve the local environment and help us all reduce our carbon footprint.”

“The festival is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to understand how they can lead a plastic-free lifestyle. But it is also an important celebration of the businesses and organisations that have helped our town become an accredited Plastic Free Community.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Juniper Training scoops accolade at The Inspire Awards 2021

Juniper Training has added another award to its collection, after the company’s Building Futures Roofing training programme, run jointly with SPV Group won the Most Inspiring Training Programme at The Inspire Awards 2021.

The event, which took place virtually on Thursday 8th July Celebrated Diversity & Inclusion in UK Construction, Engineering & Housing.

The two companies became partners back in 2019 designing a programme to offer young people the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in the roofing industry with progression onto a Level 2 Roofer Apprenticeship and sustained employment with local roofing companies.

The judges praised the programme, saying it was “Truly inspiring, a practical determined approach to overcoming barriers and generating value all round,” and “A great example of collaboration in the industry.”

Samantha Broomhall, Head of Business Development at Juniper Training, said: “Well done to the staff, students, employers and partners who work incredibly hard day in, day out to make this provision a success – ultimately changing the lives of young people.”

The 30 week training programme offers young people a Level 1 certificate in construction, upskilling in maths and English if needed and necessary training such as asbestos awareness and working at height.

They also learn the various disciplines in roofing and sit the CSCS test prior to being taken on as an apprentice with one of the many roofing contractors Juniper is currently working with. These include SPV Group, Rydale Roofing, RS Miller, Dudley MBC, Rio Asphalt, Stoneleigh Services and Central Roofing.

Lisa Jenkins commented: “”We’re really looking forward to expanding our provision of this training activity in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, and we’re currently interested in hearing from any roofing contractors that might be interested in partering with us.”

“If you are a roofing employer and would be interested in partnering with us to offer this opportunity for young people to get on to the roofing ladder, contact lisa.jenkins@junipertraining.co.uk or call 07923 209239.”

Juniper Training 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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Financial support offered for Derbyshire residents to retrain for alternative energy sector

A unique opportunity to retrain in the field of alternative energy has opened up in Chesterfield and Derbyshire with the launch of the County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Scheme.

The local authority has set aside a £100,000 fund offering grants of up to £1,500 to help Derbyshire residents learn new skills in the alternative energy industry.

It’s part of the wider Green Entrepreneurs Programme which is funded by the council and run in partnership with the University of Derby to help support green economic recovery across Derbyshire.

The leader of Derbyshire County Council, Barry Lewis added: “We’ve had a positive response to the Green Entrepreneurs Fund so far from businesses looking for financial support to help turn game changing proposals to help tackle climate change into reality.

“As well as helping to reduce Derbyshire’s carbon emissions in the future, by helping these projects get off the ground we’re bringing wider benefits to local communities and local economic conditions to create high quality jobs driven by utilising the local skills base in engineering and manufacturing.

“We’re looking forward to announcing the successful applicants soon for funding announced so far, as well as opening up applications for our new Scholarship Fund which will help to skill-up the alternative energy workforce of tomorrow.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “It is vital that we all play our part in helping the UK to achieve its net zero targets and the appetite within Derbyshire to meet this challenge head-on is hugely encouraging.

“It is not just about providing financial support, however, but enabling people to develop their skillset to deliver the change we need.

“As a university, empowering people with the knowledge and ability to have a positive impact on our economy and society is central to our purpose. We therefore welcome the launch of the Scholarship Scheme, which will help employees within our SME sector to make important contributions to carbon reduction and equip them with highly-valued skills.”

Find out more information about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme including application forms, timetable for grant funding and eligibility criteria at: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/business/green-entrepreneurs-fund/green-entrepreneurs-fund.aspx

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Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal raises £117,300

Supporters from across North Derbyshire have rallied behind Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal to raise £117,300 in just eight weeks.

Since the appeal launched in May, 3,194 flowers have been dedicated in memory of someone special, with supporters receiving a custom-made flower for a suggested donation of £25.

The charity, which provides specialist end of life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, say they have been “overwhelmed” by the response.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are so grateful to all of our wonderful supporters who dedicated a flower and helped to raise vital funds for the hospice.

“Over the course of the appeal we have had the privilege to speak to many of our supporters who have shared emotional stories about the people they are remembering. It is an honour to be able to provide our community a way for them to mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a meaningful way.”

Throughout June, thousands of visitors enjoyed visiting the flowers which were on display within the grounds of Chatsworth.

Jack added: “We want to say a huge thank you to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for hosting our flower display within the picturesque grounds of Chatsworth and to our sponsors Graysons Solicitors who have supported us every step of the way.

“We hope that everyone who has received a flower loves them as much as we do. Every penny raised helps to fund our specialist round-the-clock care to support families across North Derbyshire living with a life-limiting illness.”

With just a small number of the limited-edition flowers left; supporters are being urged to act quickly to secure one. To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Ashgate Hospicecare 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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Monkey Park takes advantage of government Kickstart Scheme

Chesterfield Community group, Monkey Park CIC has bolstered its services by taking on two young and enthusiastic staff members via the government’s Kickstart scheme.

The initiative provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding.

One of the new team members, Ruben has worked in hospitality for a number of years and wanted to try something different. He has been working in the café and around the hub, helping out with a variety of tasks and projects.

The group also took on Jordan, who has worked as a volunteer at the group’s Bike Workshop for several years. As part of his Kickstart role, he continues to work in the Bike Workshop, and has also been involved with other activities and duties around Monkey park, acquiring some valuable employment skills.

Monkey Park’s marketing coordinator, Sally Tunstall said: “The Kickstart scheme has enabled Monkey Park to work with two enthusiastic young people, who bring new ideas and perspective to their roles. We have the pleasure of watching them develop their skills, and knowing that we are helping them with the first steps of their career. Kickstart has also given his extra manpower at a particularly challenging time, as we come out of covid restrictions and try to get the organisation back to normal operations.

“Jordan was already part of Monkey Parkas a volunteer, and so has settled easily into his employee role really well. We have taken him slightly out of his comfort zone by setting him new challenges and intruding him to new areas of working. He has coped well with this and we can see his confidence growing.”

“Reuben has settled really well into the Monkey Park team, bringing some great new ideas and a brilliant sense of humour. He has been given a variety of projects and tasks, which is widening his skills set and again building his confidence. He has explained that the Kickstart scheme appealed to him because young people can work with the Job Centre to find roles that interest them and fit their skills and personality.”

Find out more about Kickstart and how it can benefit your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

The organisation is also on the lookout for a number of voluntary directors who are looking to give something back to the local community. The roles include: Finance Director, Social Impact director, Community Fundraiser and Community engagement/development.

These are permanent voluntary roles, working alongside Monkey Park’s existing voluntary directors and dedicated team of staff & volunteers. For more details or to register your interest, email Michelle at manager@monkeypark.org.uk or call 07410987734.

Monkey Park 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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Derbyshire Institute of Sport helps to produce nine athletes for Tokyo Olympics

A total of nine athletes, who have previously been supported by Derbyshire Institute of Sport, have now booked their places to Tokyo this summer.

Jess Turner sealed her place at the Olympics after winning Gold at the Muller British Championships in the 400m hurdles. She had previously achieved the Olympic qualifying time more than once this year, so when she won at the weekend with a stadium record time of 54.83 she automatically qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

Jess said: “My dream since I was a little girl has come true!”

Para-badminton champion Jack Shephard will make history as one of the first two badminton athletes to ever represent Team GB in the Paralympics.

DIS performance consultant and former national badminton coach Andy Wood explained: “Para-badminton is being included for the first time at Tokyo 2020 and it has always been Jack’s aim to represent his country and win Gold. I am delighted for him that he has this opportunity.”

Andy has led national badminton teams through five Olympic cycles.

Chesterfield’s Liam Pitchford will compete at his third Olympics at the age of just 27. He competed in the table tennis team events at both the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In 2016, he helped Team GB to reach the quarter-finals where they were defeated by the Chinese team who ultimately took Gold. Liam also competed in the singles in Rio, reaching the last 32.

Six other former DIS athletes had previously been announced as Olympians. They are swimmers Jacob Whittle, Molly Renshaw, Sarah Vasey and Abbie Wood and marathon runners Jessica Piasecki and Ben Connor.

DIS managing director Chloe Maudsley said: “The good news just keeps coming for athletes who worked with us. Our aim when we set up DIS after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was to increase the number of Derbyshire-based world-class athletes. We hit our initial target of creating and supporting 20 world-class athletes by 2020 and that success has now been crowned by the nine athletes going to Tokyo this summer. We can’t wait to cheer them on.

“I’d also like to thank the businesses who sponsor DIS and its athletes through our Thrive Programme. Their support makes it possible for us to help talented athletes become world champions.”

To find out more, ring Chloe on 07974 231564 or email her at info@derbyshireis.co.uk

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Hasland pupils get creative to support patients and families at Ashgate Hospicecare

Kind-hearted school children have been hard at work creating bespoke fabric hearts for patients and families cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare.

Pupils at Hasland Junior School took part in the project during the pandemic to help families and loved ones who may have been separated feel closer together.

Every child in the school was encouraged to create hand-sewn hearts, which are lovingly handcrafted with matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member.

The school was inspired by the original project launched by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle – a group ran by Ashgate volunteer Shelagh Cheetham, who supported the pupils throughout the creative process.

The aim is that the hearts will provide comfort to those who may be unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness.

Teacher at Hasland Junior School, Fran Lee, said: “I saw how Shelagh’s Sewing Circle had supported Ashgate Hospicecare and thought it was a fantastic way of contributing to the local community during such a challenging year.

“Our focus has been on building mental health and wellbeing through the concept of ‘giving’. The project provided an incredible opportunity to discuss with the children the role that volunteering plays in the community and how acts of kindness, however small, can make someone’s day.

“The whole school community takes great satisfaction in knowing that the hearts that we have created are making a big difference to the patients at Ashgate Hospicecare and their families.

“Thanks to Shelagh’s Sewing Circle for their support and guidance with this project and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

The children, both at home and in school, enjoyed making the hearts and practising their textiles skills and even took part in a dedicated day to the project called ‘Helping Hearts’.

The fabric hearts have also been made available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Shelagh, a strong supporter of Ashgate for more than a decade after the hospice cared for her father-in-law, said: “We were so delighted when we saw that the teachers and pupils at Hasland Junior School wanted to support Shelagh’s Sewing Circle’s fabric hearts project.

“Visiting your friends or family at the hospice and then leaving without them can be so difficult, but the hearts are a wonderful way to keep your loved ones by your side at all times – whether with us still or not.

“Hasland Junior School’s contribution means more people will be able to spread love, kindness and offer comfort during these challenging and uncertain times. Everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare would like to thank them for their generosity and support.”

Since the group started the project last year, more than 1,500 fabric hearts have been donated to the hospice to support patients and their families.

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

Ashgate Hospicecare 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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Community Chesterfield launches interactive sharing sessions

An organisation that supports local community and voluntary groups within the health and social care sector in Chesterfield has launched a brand new programme of free interactive online networking and learning sessions.

Community Chesterfield, a National Lottery funded partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) and the University of Derby, is set to hold monthly ‘Connect and Reflect’ sessions, with the first taking place on 13 July.

The sessions aim to connect the community, the health and social care sector and the University to allow them to discuss, learn from and reflect on the common experiences we each have.

Each session will cover a different topic, with the first being ‘Co-Production’. Co-Production is:

  • Professionals and people who use services working in equal partnerships towards shared goals.
  • A movement towards frontline staff, people who use services and carers having an equal, more meaningful and autonomous role in services, including the planning, development and actual delivery of the service.
  • Ensuring the assets of people who use services, carers and staff are valued – recognition that if someone makes a contribution they should get something back in exchange

At this session attendees will get the chance to talk about time when they have worked in a co-produced way: maybe you have used co-production yourself  without even realising, or have been involved as a participant, or you think of a time when working in co-production may have been helpful and now you want to use it in the future.

Kate Burns, skills co-ordinator at Community Chesterfield, said: “We are really excited to be launching the brand new Connect and Reflect sessions. At Community Chesterfield, we work incredibly hard to strengthen the offering of local community and voluntary groups through learning and development, with the overarching aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Chesterfield.

“Through these sessions, we are creating a mutually beneficial forum where people will have the opportunity to share knowledge, experience and skills with others in the community. This will help to discover new opportunities for best practice, ultimately helping to strengthen the skills, knowledge and expertise of people within our community.”

The interactive online networking and learning sessions are for those working at or volunteering for a third sector organisation in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, staff and students of the University of Derby who have an interest in Chesterfield and individuals working within the Health or Social Care sector in Chesterfield.

The Co-production Connect and Reflect will take place on 13 July, with subsequent sessions held on the second Tuesday of every month. To find out more or to book you free place on any of the sessions, visit https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/shared-learning

If you have any suggestions for Connect and Reflect topics or for more information contact community@dva.org.uk.

 

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Chesterfield Champions welcome the lifting of Covid restrictions

Chesterfield Champions have welcomed the lifting of Covid restrictions, although some with a note of caution, following Monday’s announcement that, subject to a final review of the data, legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July.

The lifting of the remaining lockdown restrictions is expected to further boost the local economy. Most recently East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2021, State of the Economy Index showed its highest score since Q3 2018. The score has replaced hopes for a steady recovery post pandemic to big growth expectations for the region.

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Like town centres up and down the country, it’s been an incredibly difficult time for our businesses – as well as the wider community. But Chesterfield is a resilient place and we have some truly inspiring independent businesses. By continuing to work really closely together, and with our partners like East Midlands Chamber and Destination Chesterfield, we’re confident in our town’s ability to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.”

Cllr Kate Sarvent

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield added: “It’s been a long hard road for many Chesterfield Champions, but light is finally at the end of the tunnel. What we have seen during this time is what a tightly knit, resilient and supportive business community there is in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and I am very much looking forward to seeing people within it face-to-face at our events going forward.”

Dom Stevens

Destination Chesterfield is hosting its first in-person event in 16 months on Wednesday 7 July, when it hosts the judging for the Food Producer of the Year award at Casa Hotel for the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Venues, including hotels, theatres and training providers, have particularly welcomed the lifting of restrictions which will enable them to return to full capacity 16 months after the pandemic started.

John Croot, Chief Executive at Chesterfield FC is looking forward to the team’s ground once again being full. He said: “We are delighted to hear that the restrictions will be lifted. People have been waiting for this news for so long.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Technique Stadium. We have a number of events in our hospitality lounges over the next few months and it will be great to see the rooms full again.”

John Croot, Photographer Gray Hughes

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant Manager at Matlock Farm Park echoed John saying: “We‘re looking forward to seeing the children’s delight when they first go the play centre – it’s going to be lovely having the building filled with children’s voices again.”

Lotty Hawkins

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles commented: “While the hospitality industry is enjoying a great summer bounce back, it has still been severely held back by capacity limits that have also affected the leisure and events industries.

“So there will now be a lot of excitement in the countdown to 19 July, when we sincerely hope the Government will indeed go ahead with stage four of its roadmap to reopening our economy and lift almost all the remaining restrictions.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

Fiaz Sadiq, Managing Director for ActionCOACH Chesterfield: “It’s great to hear from the Prime Minister that the easing of restrictions will be lifted from Monday 19 July, it’s a very positive and welcomed decision that we feel everyone was hoping for! Particularly, small independent businesses, as we’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects that this pandemic has caused, and the real struggle for so many!”

Fiaz Sadiq

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care is amongst the raft of businesses that have been impacted by the restrictions. Dawn Brown, owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care explained: “The lifting of the restrictions will enable me now to hold an open day to showcase our services to new and old clients.  We look after people’s fur babies and not being able to show them around has limited the number of new clients sending their dogs to us.  Luckily our reputation has been enough for most clients to send their pooch without looking around but it will be great when we can organise viewings again.”

Suppliers and service providers to the hospitality sector are equally excited to see the lifting of restrictions. John Smith, Director at Accountancy Recruitment Group, said: “Our market has been very busy throughout the pandemic but the changes from the 19 July should, in particular, see a positive bounce-back for our clients across hospitality and leisure sectors.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of bridge finance company Bridge Help agreed saying: “I believe we will see increased investment in commercial property, particularly in the hospitality sector, across the country and locally which is great news for the town.”

Chris Sellars

While the lifting of restrictions has generally been welcomed, a number of businesses, particularly those in the healthcare, beauty and retail sectors in the town centre, have advised caution and requested that customers continue to wear masks if they feel unwell.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth- Owner, Less than Zero Barbers said: “We think it’s now appropriate for people to get back to their day to day lives without compulsory restrictions or mask wearing. It will be good practise though, when people are unwell, to wear a mask wherever possible to limit any risk to themselves and others.”

Martin Wallis-Keyworth

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic and a registered nurse agreed saying: “Throughout covid restrictions we have all practiced very safely and will maintain the high level of cleanliness to help prevent any risk of virus transmission – Covid or otherwise.  I hope that people will continue to use their judgement and if they have any sign of any infection, they take the necessary precautions.”

The Goldsmith Clinic

Stuart Chambers, part of the management team at Pavements Shopping Centre: “I hope that people will realise they have responsibility towards others as well as themselves. I will continue with the mask and hand sanitising because it makes sense.”

Lotty added: “I think that most people will still exercise some caution as Covid-19 clearly remains a big issue. However, our visitors have always exercised personal responsibility and we hope that courtesy for others will continue. The advantage of visiting Matlock Farm Park is that we provide such a large outdoor area where people can maintain distance from others.”

Despite some nervousness remaining about Covid, many businesses who have adopted homeworking during the pandemic are looking forward to a return to the workplace for both staff and customers.

Scott Knowles added: “Dropping homeworking guidance for office-based businesses is another important step in our return to normality. While we expect the future of work to be a hybrid between the office and home where this is possible for some, the majority of businesses we represent have told us the office will remain a key part of their organisations – especially for younger employees who benefit from working alongside more senior colleagues and have perhaps felt more socially isolated during the pandemic.”

Lisa Stones, Director, Mortgage 1st said: “The one thing we are looking forward to the most is being able to get together as a team. We have advisers all over the county and have missed spending time together both for business and pleasure. We have a party planned later this month for the whole team so we can celebrate and raise a glass to everyone’s hard work and dedication over the last year and a half.”

Lisa Stones

Kerry Bentley, Managing Director at DBC Training added: “Our delivery centres re-opened to learners in March with appropriate social distancing and covid-secure measures in place, however, many of our learners have continued to engage in online and remote learning. As restrictions are lifted, we hope to see an increase in public confidence in attending classroom-based learning and we are looking forward to welcoming more people into our Chesterfield delivery centre.”

Kerry Bentley

Despite some trepidation about restrictions being eased, businesses are optimistic for what the future holds for both them and the town.

Fiaz Sadiq added: “Now that restrictions are lifting, owners can really start to work on the plans they had for the future of their business, which will in turn will help with the regrowth of this thriving and beautiful little market town, and we can’t wait to see how it bounces back.”

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers said: “We’re looking forward to weddings going ahead. Many of our wedding ring customers have had to postpone their celebrations and are excited to celebrate with friends and family later this year. Coupled with the lockdown proposals, it’s set to be a great year for weddings and we’re so looking forward to meeting more couples and creating their dream wedding rings.

“Lockdown hasn’t dulled our sparkle and now we’re looking forward to shining brightly with our lovely family, friends and customers in Chesterfield.”

Adorn Jewellers

Adorn Jewellers

Cllr Sarvent added: “The borough as a whole is benefitting from a £1bn growth programme which is bringing forward new jobs and opportunities for local people. Likewise, our town centre is not standing still. We’re investing in significant town centre developments and improvements including the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, work on Elder Way and plans to revitalise the market.

“Enquiries from businesses wanting to start, grow or relocate in Chesterfield are on the rise, and early indications show that the number of people shopping in Chesterfield town centre is heading in the right direction, moving back towards pre-Covid levels.

“Since the start of the pandemic we’ve paid out over £48.5m worth of Government grants – a lifeline to our businesses. We’re fully behind our town centre and high streets and continue to have a range of support packages in place to help them get back on their feet, as we move beyond Covid-19 restrictions.

“The council has funded the new Digital High Street project which is helping businesses branch out online, our Love Chesterfield campaign is encouraging people to shop local and has a range of free marketing resources for our independents to use. We also have a dedicated town centre engagement officer who provides advice and support. In addition, this summer we’ve launched a new-look events programme, including our popular specialist markets and at our fantastic arts and leisure venues, all of which are encouraging people back into our town centre, safely.”

There are more than 180 Chesterfield Champions, a network of businesses, charities, schools and training providers who are driving the development of the local economy, shaping its future and showcasing all that is good about the area.

To become a member of the Chesterfield Champions scheme, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/sign-up/

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