About Chesterfield

Chesterfield College to host new digital skills courses for local people

A new training course is being launched by Chesterfield College to ensure more young people in the town are equipped with digital skills for the workplace.

The online course will enable people in the area to learn essential skills for the workplace through online learning via Microsoft Teams, helping to improve job prospects and skill levels across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

With new courses starting on 29th April, 24th June, 19th August and 14th October, there is plenty of opportunity for people to upskill for their dream job, gain the confidence to launch an apprenticeship, or take the next step in their education.

The Level 1 course is free to most learners, dependent on personal circumstances or income. Over the six weeks, the College will empower learners with the skills needed to make those first steps – creative and digital skills that are essential and in high demand in today’s workplace.

Learners will even be shown how to use cutting edge skills on social media, such as TikTok and Instagram, harnessing their business potential.

James Dietsch, Lecturer & Digital Innovation Coordinator at Chesterfield College’s Department of Digital, commented: “The Level 1 Digital Course is a great program that can benefit the local community of Chesterfield in many ways. If you are returning to education and want to retrain in an exciting industry or top up existing skills.

“Expect to learn a variety of different skills from creativity in digital to enhancing workplace power skills such as teamwork. problem-solving and communication.

“As well as developing an effective progression plan with setting goals for the next milestone. The course helps power learners and can bring useful digital first skills to local businesses.”

To find out more about the course and register your place, go to the Chesterfield College website.

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

Front of white main Chesterfield College reception building, glass windows and hint of green around the doors

Chesterfield College, Infirmary Road, Chesterfield

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Cards Direct opens new store at Vicar Lane

Chesterfield’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has announced the arrival of greeting cards, gifts and partyware shop Cards Direct, which has now opened its doors to customers.

The store sells a range of affordable greeting cards, gift wrap and stationery. It also offers bespoke balloon bouquets and balloon personalisation, with a click and collect service in store. The new store will be located opposite Waterstones and will be open from 9am-5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Cards Direct was established in 2012 and currently has more than 60 stores in high streets and shopping centres in the UK. The business says it prides itself on offering outstanding customer service, quality products and above all, value for money.

The new store follows other recent exciting openings at the centre, including Coffee #1, Street Spirit and Brand Runner. The centre is home to several nationally-recognised retailers including Waterstones, F.Hinds, Superdrug, Holland and Barrett, River Island and New Look.

cards direct

A wide range of unique independent shops and cafes are also based at Vicar Lane, including Qoozies, Shop Indie, Clarissa’s Interiors, The Little Ark and more.

There are events planned at intervals during the year at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre with accompanying displays or entertainment in St. James’ Square. For more information visit www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said: “We’re thrilled that Card Directs has joined the line-up of stores here at Vicar Lane and we look forward to welcoming others in the near future.”

With its historic market, plenty of fun festivals and events to attend, and mix of independent and national retailers, Chesterfield Town Centre is a great place to enjoy shopping whilst also meeting family and friends for a catch-up. Find out more about visiting Chesterfield here.

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

vicar lane chesterfield town centre shopping

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Construction begins on new electric forecourt at Markham Vale

Construction has officially started on a new electric forecourt at Markham Vale.

Gridserve has begun construction on the project, which will serve visitors, local businesses and communities around Markham Vale and the wider Derbyshire area.

Located on Enterprise Way and conveniently placed for passing motorway traffic, the new Electric Forecourt is scheduled to open this winter. It’s a significant milestone for the area and clean energy.

Once completed, Markham Vale Electric Forecourt will enable 30 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with High Power chargers that can deliver up to 360kW, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than 5 minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric vehicles with contactless payment accepted, making it easier than ever to charge.

The site will be powered by net zero carbon energy as Gridserve continues to make vital changes to the UK EV infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of transport and move the needle on climate change.

While charging, visitors can enjoy a coffee in the comfortable waiting lounge with free superfast WiFi, plus convenience retail, a children’s play area and a dedicated EV educational space to increase understanding and awareness around electric vehicles. The Electric Forecourt will include disabled parking, access ramps, accessible washrooms and lifts to all areas, making easy charging accessible to all.

Gridserve Markham Vale

Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer, said: “We are happy to keep the momentum going with our award-winning Electric Forecourts following the success opening of London Gatwick Electric Forecourt. We have found with our Electric Forecourt sites that they serve as an excellent hub for the local community and can help with the uptake of electric vehicles. Electric Forecourts offer the best charging and retail experience available and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers to the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “Gridserve’s new Electric Forecourt will be a great addition to Markham Vale right next to the M1 motorway. It will help to give motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle and move us closer to our target of getting hundreds more public facing electric vehicle charge points in place throughout the county.

“Decarbonising transport is one of our top priorities as part of our climate change strategy which aims to reduce emissions generated by the county council to net zero by 2032 or sooner and help the rest of Derbyshire reduce carbon emissions generated within the county to net zero by 2050 or sooner.”

David Wells, Director at HBD, said: “We’re pleased to be able to welcome Gridserve to Markham Vale as work starts on site. The project will enhance the scheme’s amenity offer, while also strengthening Derbyshire’s sustainability ambitions. We look forward to working alongside Gridserve as the new Electric Forecourt takes shape.”

Gridserve’s Electric Highway now has over 175 locations with more than 1,200 charging bays, with 11 new locations with 90 charging bays opened in the first three months of 2024.

Find out more about the Markham Vale development here.

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Digital Management company announces move to 100,000 sq ft Markham Vale warehouse

A warehouse totaling more than 100,000 sq. ft will soon be occupied by digital and information specialists, Restore Records Management.

Devonshire Property Group, part of the portfolio of Devonshire Group businesses, has successfully let its 102,515 sq ft Markham Vale warehouse following the agreement of a new letting at the development.

Restore Records Management has agreed to take the unit on a long-term lease. The move is part of a consolidation of properties, as it looks to move into newer, more efficient buildings. Restore expects to be operational at the new site later this spring.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group said: “Letting our property at Markham Vale is not only a really positive milestone for the scheme, but a testament to the site’s proposition and the quality of space on offer. Alongside Derbyshire County Council and HBD, we’re fully committed to ensuring that the site continues to generate value and quality job opportunities for the surrounding communities. Bringing another strong business in Restore Records Management to the site is part of our work to fulfil that promise.”

Nigel Dews, Managing Director at Restore Records Management said: “The entire facility, will be able to accommodate a staggering 1.4 million boxes, making it one of the biggest sites in our portfolio. We look forward to taking management of the site in the forthcoming weeks.”

The agents representing The Devonshire Group were Rebecca Schofield at Knight Frank and Stuart Waite, of CPP. Restore were represented by Cameron Frazer of Berrys.

Markham Vale, a joint venture partnership between HBD and Derbyshire County Council that began in 2006, has created more than 2,700 jobs across a wide range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing and logistics.

It is home to a range of businesses, including Bilstein Group, which manufactures and distributes automotive parts, Granger International, manufacturers of waterproof outdoor products and shoe care products, and Sterigenics, makers of sterile healthcare products.

With an excellent location and ideal connectivity to several major UK cities and airports, find out why Chesterfield is the perfect place to base your organisation: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Devonshire Group 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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Celebration event to mark Chesterfield Football Club’s return to the English Football League

Chesterfield Football Club’s loyal supporters are being invited to attend an official celebration event to mark the club’s return to the English Football League.

After the club claimed the Vanarama National League title on Saturday 23 March, Chesterfield Borough Council – working in partnership with the club – is pleased to confirm that the event will take place on Sunday 21 April.

Celebrations will get underway at the SMH Group Stadium at 2.30pm with the club’s players, coaching and backroom staff boarding open top buses to travel to the Town Hall.

The buses will travel along Sheffield Road, around Holywell Cross (the Donut), and then on to Saltergate and Rose Hill East, arriving at the Town Hall at 3pm.

Supporters are invited to join in the celebrations outside the Town Hall in a dedicated traffic free fan zone, where they will be able to see the trophy once again lifted on the balcony and bring a truly memorable season to a close.

The team will appear on the balcony at approximately 3.30pm, but fans are invited to arrive at the fan zone from 1.30pm and kickstart the celebrations from approximately 2pm.

After their balcony appearance, the club will attend a civic reception at the Town Hall.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Brough Council, said: “Our congratulations to Chesterfield Football Club on their promotion back into the English Football League. It is great for the Club and for their loyal band of supporters but also great for the town and the borough. A successful football club brings new visitors to the town and is a vital part of Chesterfield’s economy.

“The council and club both recognise the value of putting Chesterfield’s communities at the heart of everything we do. It’s therefore important that we come together and celebrate the club’s success with our communities.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the club and especially Paul Cook, his coaching and the players to the Town Hall. We hope to see plenty of supporters coming along and joining in with the celebrations too. It should be another brilliant occasion for the club and the town.”

Chesterfield Football Club’s Chief Executive, John Croot, said: ‘We would like to thank Chesterfield Borough Council for honouring us in recognition of our achievements this season.

“We are proud of our standing in the community and it will be fantastic to provide our supporters with another opportunity to celebrate our return to the Football League.”

Some roads will be closed on the day to allow the buses to pass through and spectators to attend safely. Details of the road closures will be shared on the council’s website.

Those attending the event are advised that alcohol is not permitted in the fan zone.

CFC Goal celebration vs Boreham Wood

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New town square in Clay Cross to be named Baileys Square

The Clay Cross Town Board has officially revealed the name of the new town square, which is to be built as part of the town’s redevelopment.

Baileys Square is set to provide residents, businesses and visitors with a vibrant day and night-time economy.

The new name is based on an old map of Clay Cross, featuring ‘Bailey’s Square’ in the same location as the new development, brought by the Town Centre Regeneration project.

The square will feature an open space, well-suited for future activities and markets.

Baileys Square will be a place to meet with family and friends, hosting a unique selection of places to wine and dine, a place for families to take part in experiences and crafts; and enjoy vibrant events.

The Clay Cross Town Deal project will enhance Clay Cross’ evening economy with a wider food and leisure offer thanks to the flexible business units coming as part of Baileys Square.

Chair of the Clay Cross Town Board and Managing Director of Inspire Design and Development, Lee Barnes, says: “I am extremely eager to unveil Baileys Square to the public. It will be a place to host some amazing events, make some fantastic memories for those attending and will become a household name to residents and visitors of Clay Cross, as a substantial leisure space at the heart of Clay Cross.”

Find out more about the Clay Cross Town Deal. 

Clay Cross is one of several towns across the region to receive Town Deal funding from the government to carry out regeneration projects. Locally, Staveley has also received £25m in Town Deal funding, to be used on several projects. Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal here. 

Find out more about the range of development projects currently taking place across Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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

Clay Cross

Birds’ eye view of Clay Cross Town Centre

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Chesterfield-based Platinum Spas brand recognised by leading hot tub and swim spa magazines

Superior Wellness, A Chesterfield-based manufacturer and distributor of hot tub and swim spas has announced that its flagship brand, Platinum Spas, has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? 2024 hot tub and swim spa manufacturer for the sixth year in a row.

Platinum Spas is an innovative hot tub and swim spa brand creating premium quality products focused on improving health and wellbeing. With a focus on innovation and the latest technology, the range boasts premium features to provide the ultimate hot tub and swim spa experience.

WhatSpa? magazine celebrates its 19th anniversary this year and it has helped over 1 million UK homeowners to buy their dream hot tub since its launch in 2005. WhatSwimSpa? magazine followed in the footsteps of its sister publication and has been helping UK swim spa buyers in their vital research since 2013.

Rob Carlin, Superior Wellness Managing Director said “I am delighted that Platinum Spas has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? Approved Manufacturer once again.

“The WhatSpa? magazine and website are a very important tool for the end customer to use when finding their perfect hot tub.  It is also great for our partner network to proudly say they are selling an approved and leading hot tub and swim spa brand.”

Nick Clamp, WhatSpa? Media Group’s Editor-in-Chief added: “It’s been a pleasure to see Superior Wellness grow to become such a worldwide success in the hot tub, swim spa and wellness sectors, especially since they are headquartered right here in the UK.”

“It’s rare to see a brand scale to the levels that Rob and the team have achieved in the last 13 years, and we look forward to seeing more innovative new products from the Superior Wellness team over the next decade.”

Both WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? magazines unveil their Best Buy Awards every year which feature the very best hot tubs and swim spas from the World’s leading brands. The awards acknowledge the hot tub and swim spa models that excel across a range of criteria, including design, aesthetics, comfort, hydrotherapy and value-for-money.

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

Two men in fluorescent yellow jackets in warehouse at Superior Wellness, Chesterfield

Superior Wellness, Broombank Park, Chesterfield

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Steam train tour to arrive in Chesterfield and showcase local landmarks

Two steam train tours are set to arrive in Chesterfield, bringing passengers from the south of England to discover our historic landmarks.

The Steam Dreams Rail. Co, provider of unique and magical steam train journeys, will be hosting two incredible day trips to Chesterfield, one from East Anglia to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill on 8th May and another from London to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill Rail Ale Festival on 16th May.

The journeys will be pulled by the historic 46100 Royal Scot, providing visitors to immerse themselves in the glamour of yesteryear with an elegant steam-hauled journey. Once passengers arrive in Chesterfield, they will then be able to take part in several excursions around North Derbyshire’s landmarks.

Passengers are able to travel in one of three classes, including Pullman Dining, First Cass or Premium Standard.

A spokesperson for The Steam Dreams Rail. Co explained that there is plenty of exciting activities to get involved in whilst on the tour: “You can sink into your seats and relax as the train sets out for a wonderful journey through Amber Valley to the Peak District.

“Here, you have the option to continue your journey back in time to the Crich Tramway Museum, an immersive museum experience set within a recreated period village, where you can enjoy a ride on board the vintage trams. For glamour-seekers, your indulgent journey can be extended to the elegance of Chatsworth House. Alternatively, visit the town of Chesterfield or continue to Barrow Hill before we embark on our return journey aboard the same beautifully restored vintage carriages in which we started our journey.”

Chatsworth

Chatsworth House

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re excited to welcome passengers from the Steam Dreams Rail Co. tours to our historic town and surrounding areas.

“Being the place where George Stephenson spent the final years of his life, Chesterfield has always had a strong connection with steam.

“It will be wonderful to see the iconic 46100 Royal Scot arriving here, and I hope that passengers enjoy seeing our unique Crooked Spire, the beauty of Chatsworth and the Peak District, and of course the wonderful locomotives at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.”

Barrow hill

Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield

For further information and to book call 01483 209888 or visit www.steamdreams.co.uk

Planning your visit to Chesterfield? Find out more about the latest events, activities and things to do in our historic town.

Royal Scot stream train

46100 Royal Scot: Image credited to Gordan Edgar

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New AI technology created by Oasis Studio for the property sector

The EyeSiteView team, based at Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio has launched new AI-powered technology platform aimed at creating an immersive property exploration suite for businesses.

The new technology, named Vantage, will assist property and construction sector organisations in providing a better experience for customers, with a new interactive sales centre solution.

It offers an interactive property exploration solution to partners looking to enhance their customer experience for the modern buyer, and most importantly improve the buyer’s ability to reserve new-build plots off-plan.

Installed into Sales Centres in the form of a Touchscreen or a tablet, Vantage is equipped with the latest 3D interactive property marketing content such as interactive site plans, configurators and virtual tours.

Vantage offers property developers and home buyers with the ability to fully explore and envision a new development within the sales suite. The ability to visualise upgrade options, house types and the overall site increases buyers’ confidence, whilst making the sales journey more personal to the individual buyer.

With Vantage home buyers can continue their property exploration from the sales centre to home seamlessly. Additionally, Vantage offers property developers with important insights into their home buyers’ preferences and sales journey.

Since its release, the EyeSiteView development team has been working closely with property partners to reach a new benchmark for interactive touchscreen solutions for the sector. Vantage is now the first AI-powered Interactive Sales Centre solution for the property sector.

With innovation very much at the core of everything the company does, implementing its own AI model into its offerings was the next innovative benchmark for EyeSiteView. Now Vantage has its very own AI-large language model (LLM) built-in.

By implementing an LLM model into the interactive touchscreen solution, EyeSiteView is now offering sales advisors and home buyers with the ability to get all the important questions answered in moments. Whether a home buyer needs to know the Ofsted rating of a local school, the time it would take to walk to the nearest train station, or if they need to know the best space / house to place their corner sofa, the AI-Powered touchscreen can provide the answers in a conversational text window on screen.

The integrated LLM is taught about each site specifically, and will only provide answers that are relevant to the individual development location and house types.

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio commented: “Innovation is very much at the core of everything we do here. We are no strangers to AI, we have been learning and leveraging practices within our workflow for some time.

“For us to now find a valuable use and confidently implement the technology within one of our products is a huge milestone for us and our partners. With the pace of advancements we’ve seen with AI alone in the last year, I would encourage all businesses, especially SME’s to explore the capabilities of AI.

“For us, it has not only enhanced and increased our internal efficiency, but it is now playing a big role in the products and services we can offer our clients.”

Find out more about Vantage at: https://eyesiteview.co.uk/vantage/

Looking to boost your business? Find out now about the support available to enhance your organisation with

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

Vantage 2

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MTM Products nominated for regional sustainability and ethics award

Chesterfield’s MTM Products has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award, following several sustainability successes at the company.

The business is one of the UK’s leading industrial graphics suppliers, and recently announced it had reduced its operational carbon footprint by 34 tonnes of CO2e – or 37 per cent – by cutting its consumption of gas, grid electricity and water. MTM has also revealed a bold set of annual targets to further cut its carbon emissions before 2030.

Now, the business has been recognised in the shortlist for the Sustainable / Ethical Manufacturer Award at the 2024 Insider Made in the Midlands Awards. Now in their 14th year, the awards are one of the region’s premier events, attracting entries from more than 70 companies and culminating in a black-tie ceremony in Birmingham. The winners will go on to represent the Midlands, and their sectors, at the national Made in the UK Awards.

Managing Director Mark Niblett explained why these initiatives were so important: “Exploring the switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity and looking at sustainable vehicle options is not just about meeting environmental regulations, it’s about leading by example and inspiring change within our industry.

Mark believes this approach will help attract talent into the business: “Candidates are increasingly seeking employers who think and act sustainably. At MTM, we understand that sustainability isn’t just about ethics. It’s a necessity for attracting and retaining the best people.”

The work MTM is doing also involves challenging partners on their approaches to sustainability, as well as continuously assessing internal processes.

“We hope that by us demonstrating what we’re doing, we’re sharing best practices for the wider industry, in the hopes we can all begin to make a positive change,” Mark said.

Based in Chesterfield, MTM has been supplying original equipment manufacturers in the automotive, electrical and electronic, rail, medical, construction and machinery equipment sectors in the UK and across the EU for almost 50 years.

Chesterfield is a town renowned for its industrial roots, and is now home to a long list of world-leading manufactureres. Find out more about locating your business in our town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

MTM_manufacturing

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Vibrant new children’s nursery to open in Brimington

A brand new children’s nursery will be opening in Brimington this May, and prospective parents and families are invited to pay a visit.

Heywood House will provide quality childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years in a fun, vibrant and safe learning environment with fresh and healthy meals delivered every day.

The owners have over 35 years’ experience within the childcare sector. Having purchased the grade II listed building on High Street, Brimington last Autumn, substantial renovation works have been made to create a vibrant and welcoming children’s nursery for all.

The nursery will be open from 7.15am until 6pm 52 weeks a year excluding Bank Holidays. Early Years funded places are available. The striking feature of the nursery is its location, within a charming and attractive grade II listed building which has been redecorated with fun bright colours.

Its gardens to the rear have been extensively renovated so that the children can learn and develop in a secure green space, outdoors with nature, whilst having fun with their friends.

Company Director Matt Bell said: “As an organisation, we strive to provide the highest quality care for every child in a safe and friendly environment. This enables all our children to learn whilst having fun and reaching their full potential in preparation for school.

“The nursery will be Ofsted registered and we follow the Birth to 5 Matters guidance and the setting will be a mix of child centred and adult led learning. We’d also like to thank the Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up team for helping us on our way with this new venture in Brimington.”

The nursery will officially open its doors in May 2024, but has open days planned throughout April for parents and carers to have a look around. These are:

  • 10th April 11.00 – 14.00
  • 13th April 11.00 – 14.00
  • 6th May 11.00 – 14.00

Find out more about the Vision Derbyshire business support scheme, and other initiatives available for businesses in Chesterfield.

Did you know Chesterfield was recently ranked as one of the best places in the UK to raise a family? Find out about why our town is a great place to live here.

heywood house exterior 2

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