About Chesterfield

New Iceland Store Set to Open at Vicar Lane

3rd April 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield has announced the opening of a brand new Iceland store on Tuesday 16th April 2019.

The new store at Vicar Lane is in a prime location in the heart of the town’s shopping district, offering its customers a convenient alternative to the supermarket offer already in the town.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really excited to be welcoming Iceland into our store line up. We know how time-poor people are these days, so it’s great that we can now offer the convenience of a weekly food shop, with the appeal of our high street fashion and general ‘pleasure shopping’ offer.”

To celebrate the opening, Iceland will be handing out promotional leaflets offering its first customers £3 off when they spend £15 in store. There will also be the opportunity for customers to get their hands on a limited number of free chocolate twists throughout the day!

Iceland currently has over 900 stores in the UK and prides itself on being a convenient and friendly place to do the family’s weekly shop, as well as to meet everyone’s daily top-up shopping needs for fresh, chilled and frozen food.

The new store will be open from 8am – 6pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sundays and customers can expect to find the full range of fresh, chilled and frozen food that they’ve come to know and love from the UK leader in frozen food.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Derbyshire is forging overseas trade links

2nd April 2019

Derbyshire County Council is exploring new international links to boost overseas trade – creating new opportunities for our businesses and showcasing the county for investment.

The county council is making new connections in Punjab in India – which, like Derbyshire, has a long history of textile production in the area. Arrangements are also being made to welcome a delegation from Saarland state province in Germany to discuss mutual trading opportunities with a region similar in size and economy to Derbyshire.

Plans are also being drawn up to take more Derbyshire businesses to the Toyota City Industry Festival in Japan this year following last year’s event which put Thornton’s, John Smedley Knitwear and Royal Crown Derby in the spotlight.

Work with Toyota City to promote Derbyshire as a destination for Japanese tourists is also ongoing and we’re continuing to strengthen its links with Anhui Province in China.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis said:

“With the road ahead for Brexit so unclear, it’s more important than ever to strengthen and forge international partnerships for Derbyshire on trade and tourism.

“We’ll continue our work in the weeks and months ahead to create more opportunities for inward investment, to boost tourism and promote economic development. As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Derbyshire was the cradle of industry and innovation and we are determined to continue this proud legacy in partnership with our world-class businesses.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Brands Hatch Start for Perez in Porsche

2nd April 2019

19 year old Chesterfield motor racing ace Seb Perez will compete in his first race of the season this weekend at Brands Hatch (6-7 April) in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship.

Perez, is set to mount a double competitive motorsport campaign this season that will see him back at the wheel for his second year running in the £130,000 Amigos livered and sponsored second generation Porsche Type 991 911 GT3 car.

Perez will compliment his Carrera Cup outings competing on selected stage rallies in Europe, driving a 2700cc historic specification 1977 Porsche 911. During the past month he has notched up some outstanding finishes, Rally Sol de Ponet in Mallorca scooping a fastest stage time in the classic machine on his way to taking fourth overall and just over two weeks ago piped at the finish to take a giant-killing second on Rally Clasico Mallorca.

Perez commented “I really enjoyed last season in the Carrera Cup, and it was certainly the best of my racing career,”

This season sees both Perez and Team mate Gamble with a new team, Stockton On Tees based Redline Racing, Porsche race and rally car specialists and have a proven track record in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Perez said “I’m incredibly happy to be racing with Redline Racing this year for my second season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. We’ve had a productive test together already and it’s all looking really positive for the season ahead with Amigos. I really enjoyed last season in the Carrera Cup, and it was certainly the best of my racing career.”

Copy and Photographs by Paul Horton Motorsport

Posted in About Chesterfield

Premier Inn get the keys to new hotel

2nd April 2019

The multi-million-pound transformation of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way in Chesterfield has been completed by Jomast Developments.

The fully accessible 92-bed hotel, which is located in the building’s upper two floors, has now been handed over to Premier Inn ahead of its opening by the hotel chain on 11 April 2019.

Occupying a pivotal site in the town centre, Elder Way is a landmark mixed-use leisure scheme, which is breathing life into the town’s famous 1930s, Mock-Tudor former Co-op.

The building was acquired by Jomast Developments in 2016 with work on the new hotel beginning last year. As part of the transformation, the building’s exterior has been restored to its former glory.

Premier Inn is the first occupier of the building and paves the way for Jomast to now transform the basement and ground floor into leisure and hospitality space.

Jomast is one of the UK’s leading property development, investment and regeneration specialists. The Chesterfield site is the company’s first development in Derbyshire.

Commenting on the handover to Premier Inn, Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director at Jomast Developments said: “I am delighted that we have been able to preserve such an iconic building in Chesterfield. The position and location of the site at times has been challenging but our ongoing collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council has enabled us to bring this much-loved building back into use. I am confident that Premier Inn will be a welcome addition to the town centre and the Northern Gateway Scheme.”

Marie Dukes-Brown, New Openings Project Manager for Premier Inn, said: “We have been seeking a presence in Chesterfield town centre for many years. Being a few days away from opening our doors is a really exciting moment for us, and we can’t wait to welcome the first guests to our latest format Premier Inn in the heart of town.

“Premier Inn hotels in market towns like Chesterfield trade really well. They appeal to a broad mix of business and leisure travellers throughout the year and as our style of accommodation is so flexible, we find that many of our guests eat and drink out when they stay with us, helping to support established businesses.

“Playing a positive role locally, including creating new jobs, and helping to bring the former Co-op store back to life is a win-win for us and we look forward to playing our part in the future success of the town centre.”

Thirty-eight jobs have been created at the new hotel, however jobs will be delivered by the Elder Way development as a whole once completed by Jomast.

Work will now begin on the transformation of the 16,000 sq ft basement and 21,000 sq ft ground floor area into leisure space which Jomast is targeting at independent operators. The ground floor units will all benefit from their own shop fronts/entrances. Additionally, Jomast will be creating a new courtyard area for outside eating/drinking. Chesterfield Borough Council will also shortly begin work to refurbish the public realm to the Elder Way frontage and widen public footpaths.

Mark added: “We are now in a position to move forward with phase 2 of Elder Way and the transformation of the basement and ground floor into self-contained units. We anticipate high interest from lifestyle and hospitality operators based in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.”

The development is part of the Chesterfield Borough Council-led Northern Gateway scheme which will also see a new multi-storey car park completed later this year and work will begin on a new enterprise centre for small to medium sized businesses on part of the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

Find out more about the development at Elder Way and the other commercial opportunities available.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Celebrate the best apprentices in Chesterfield

1st April 2019

Chesterfield Champion, The Derbyshire Times, along with their sister titles, is honouring the efforts of apprentices, apprentice employers and the wonderful training providers who support them.

With close to a million active apprenticeships across England alone, apprenticeship schemes have fast become a route to future employment for thousands of school leavers.

The Sheffield City Region Apprenticeship Awards, now in their third year, recognise and reward both the apprentices and their employers that are excelling across the Sheffield City Region.

Entries are now open in the following 10 awards categories and will be celebrated at a ceremony to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster, on Thursday, June 27.

Categories include:

SME Apprentice Employer of the Year
Large Business Apprentice Employer
Diversity and Inclusion programme
Training Provider/Programme of the Year
Mentor of the Year
Higher/Degree Apprentice of the Year
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Business & Law Apprentice of the Year
Health & Public Service
Apprentice of the Year
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year

To enter the awards, simply visit the website www.scrapprenticeshipawards.co.uk where you’ll also find full details of entry criteria and what the judges are looking for.

Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, canapes and deluxe two-course meal, entertainment, as well the awards themselves which promise to have you on your feet as we celebrate the apprenticeship stars of Sheffield City Region. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 3.

There are currently more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield.

There are many options available to young people after they leave school or college and choosing which is best is a big decision.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.

Chesterfield is a town where young people, parents and businesses think ‘Apprenticeship First’.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List Launched for English Tourism Week

1st April 2019

Visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire are encouraged to indulge in an eclectic range of experiences this summer, ranging from climbing, caving, hiking and biking to sleeping under the stars and sampling local delicacies, following the launch of the ‘Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List: 101 Great Things to Do’.

Compiled by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, the release of the Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List coincides with English Tourism Week (30 March – 9 April), which celebrates the quality and breadth of tourism in England.

From ordering a pint in the real ale capital of the world to climbing the Crooked Spire, exploring the UK’s first National Park and discovering Britain’s oldest Ice Age cave art, the list provides a showcase for 101 of the best things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Food and drink experiences – such as sampling Hartington Stilton, learning how to make a Bakewell Pudding and dining at the area’s only Michelin-star restaurant – are also vital ingredients on the list, complementing Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire’s ‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ campaign, which celebrates local food and drink.

Run by VisitEngland, English Tourism Week marks the start of the tourist season and offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the value and contribution that tourism makes to the UK economy. The tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire generated £2.15 billion in 2017 – attracting 40.45 million visitors annually and supporting 28,630 jobs.*

Throughout English Tourism Week, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire is encouraging visitors and locals to share their own favourite ‘bucket list experiences’ using #UniqueDistrict and #EnglishTourismWeek19 on social media. There will also be the opportunity to win a selection of prizes at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/competitions.

“English Tourism Week is about celebrating the quality and value of England’s tourism offer, shining the spotlight on our amazing attractions and heritage, raising the profile of our tourism businesses and encouraging more visitors to discover and explore the Peak District and Derbyshire,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We hope our Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List will inspire more people to book a break in this wonderful area to enjoy the vibrant range of experiences on offer. We also hope it will encourage locals to explore what’s on their doorstep – and hopefully find some hidden gems too!”

View The Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List: 101 Great Things to Do

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Specsavers Matlock and Chesterfield donate food to combat child hunger

1st April 2019

With one in five UK children suffering from food poverty, Specsavers in Matlock and Chesterfield are thanking customers in the local community, after they joined forces to collect food to help those in need.

Generous staff and their families held an in-store food drive, collecting a range of the most needed food items in support of the Chesterfield Foodbank.

Last week, the stores’ staff also volunteered at the foodbank, lending a hand to sort through the food at the warehouse, helping the foodbank cope with the influx of donated food.

“Chesterfield Foodbank is an amazing charity – helping local families when they need it most with their crisis food packages. We are proud to have played our part in helping, and the volunteering session really brought our team together too” said Audiologist Juliet Metterick.

She continues: “It was nice to try something different and also feel that we are giving back to our community. If you have a couple of hours to spare I strongly recommend volunteering like we did.”

Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer should visit chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Blachford UK sponsors 2019 Redbrik Half Marathon Fun Run

29th March 2019

Local manufacturer and employer, Blachford UK has confirmed its sponsorship of the 1km Fun Run at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon for the second year running.

The family-friendly Blachford Fun Run will form part of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon events on 20 October 2019, along with the Peak FM Five Mile Run and Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge. The Fun Run will be open to people of all ages – and dogs!

Starting at 9.40am, the Fun Run will start and end in Queen’s Park, with entry priced at £5.

Based in Holmewood, Blachford UK is one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of noise reducing trim and insulation for industrial vehicles.

In addition to its sponsorship of the Fun Run, the firm will enter its own team into the event, as well as the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, to help raise money for local good causes.

Around 1,500 people signed up to Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon events in 2018, almost double the sign-up total from the previous year.

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has raised around £100,000 for good causes since its inaugural event in 2017, including for the event’s charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Jason Lippitt, Managing Director of Blachford UK, said: “It’s a great honour to be part of the fundraising efforts to support local charities. Many of our staff live in Chesterfield so this is a great way for us to contribute to and get involved with the wider community.”

“Many of the Blachford team are, once again, looking forward to pulling on their running shoes and taking part in all of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s events, and to help raise more money for charity.”

Martin Ross, who took part in the 2018 Blachford UK Fun Run with his five-year-old grandson, said: “The 1km event last year was great fun and a good addition to the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon events.

“I’m looking forward to taking part again in 2019 and seeing the Fun Run help the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon continue to grow into one of the region’s biggest mass-participation events. I’m sure my grandson will beat me again!”

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re delighted to have Blachford UK on board for 2019 after the success of the 2018 Blachford UK Fun Run.”

“Partnerships with local businesses such as Blachford are crucial to us as one of the region’s fastest-expanding mass-participation events. The firm has good community roots and we’re excited to see this partnership continue to develop.”

Entries close to the Blachford Fun Run close online on Sunday 6 October, however entries will also be taken on race day before 9am. For more information or to sign-up, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

The search is on to find Chesterfield’s talented Young Artists of the Year

29th March 2019

Chesterfield College have launched their annual competition to find the local Young Artist of the Year. They are urging school children in Year 4 to Year 13 to get creative and produce an illustration, a painting or collage, photography or a 3D sculpture on the theme of “The environment and me”.

Finalists’ artwork, across a range of age and competition categories, will be exhibited as part of the college’s Art’s Festival taking place from 14 – 28 June 2019. The young artists will be invited to a special ceremony where the winners will be announced and presented with prizes.

James Marples, Marketing Manager at Chesterfield College said: “Over the last few years we have seen some amazing artwork from the young artists of Chesterfield. We are excited to be running the competition again this year. It is brilliant to be able to exhibit work from the artists of the future at our Arts Festival. The theme for this year is very topical and one which I hope will inspire people to get creative.”

Joseph Higgingbotham (below), winner of the Visual Arts Year 12-13 category in 2018 said: “It’s great to see my work on the wall of an actual gallery open to the public, I’m very proud of myself to be honest!”

Oliver Lea(right), winner of the 3D category last year explains, “It’s a great competition and I’m really happy to have won. I’ve produced a few pieces with PLA plastic going through a 3D pen that I then draw with to produce sculptures.”

The closing date for the competition is 10 June 2019. More details, including how to enter and terms and conditions of the competition can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Work has started for latest investor at Markham Vale

28th March 2019

Work has started on Sheffield-based Protec International’s new site, which is set to create up to 45 new jobs at Markham Vale.Protec International is the leading supplier of flame retardant temporary protection materials approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to the construction industry.

Stephen Cox, Managing Director of Protec International, said:

“We look forward to moving into our new base at Markham Vale later this year, pushing ahead with our growth plans which will create up to 45 new jobs across both phases. The location couldn’t be better for accessing the national motorway network, and will allow us to continue delivering our range of building protection solutions to our construction industry clients on a next-day basis.”

The firm’s new warehouse and offices will be in addition to a number of bases across the country.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said:

“It was great to meet Protec and visit where their new base will be at Markham Vale and we’re pleased work is now underway.“The firm will be a fantastic addition to the site and it’s great to hear they’re looking to create up to 45 new jobs for local people too.“Markham’s excellent location off Junction 29A of the M1 will be great for Protec and we’re pleased that the site continues to attract a range of companies that can grow and thrive there.”

The firm’s new 5.39 acre base with opportunity to expand is set to be completed by September and will be designed and built by the county council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments (HBD) on Markham Vale North.

Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments (HBD), said:

“It’s great to see work starting on site – with its combination of high-quality, purpose-built property and an unrivalled location and transport links, we’ve no doubt that Markham Vale will prove the ideal base for Protec as the business grows and continues to expand its team. Working to a 26-week timeline, we look forward to completing the Protec development in September.”

Plots of up to 15 acres are still available at Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments’ flagship regeneration site and can accommodate flexible design and build unit options up to 300,000 sq ft.

Find out more about Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Fancy Dress Fun Day brings in the dough for Comic Relief at Specsavers Chesterfield

28th March 2019

Staff at Specsavers Chesterfield donned their Pyjamas and Slippers for a day of fundraising in support of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day 2019.

Along with the Fancy Dress, they truly got into the Red Nose Day spirit with competitions, collections and a bake sale in a bid to raise money for good causes

The amount raised on the day itself went into the store’s Comic Relief pot, which already had hundreds of pounds donated throughout the month from the sale of Red Nose Day glasses. In total, customers and staff raised a huge £1,000 throughout the month!

Vicki Bainbridge, Retail Director at Specsavers Matlock and Chesterfield comments: “Specsavers has long been a champion of Comic Relief, and it’s certainly a very significant part of the year when it comes to our fundraising efforts across both stores. The team can’t wait for it to come round every year!”

“It was great to see just how creative the costume efforts were and they must have been a hit with customers given how generous they were with donations!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards