About Chesterfield

Shorts launch new website

4th October 2018

Chesterfield Champion Shorts is pleased to announce the launch of its brand-new website and updated logo. Over the last 4 years its business has seen growth of 20% pa each and every year. It is now over twice the size it was in 2014 and it was considered time to update its online presence.

Andy Irvine (right), Shorts’ Managing Partner, who has driven the rebrand process from conception commented: “We are not your average accountancy firm. We wanted our new website to enable visitors not only to find out about our services; but to learn what makes us different, who we are and what really makes us tick.”

“Undertaking a project of this scale has been an extremely challenging yet rewarding process. Working with local brand agency Vivid Creative, we are all delighted and very excited by the results and I am sure that anyone who visits our new website will agree that it offers a great insight into who we are and how we work.”

Shorts was recently selected as a finalist at this year’s British Accountancy awards for Mid-Tier Firm Innovation of the Year.

2018 has already proved to be a successful year for Shorts following a win at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards where Shorts was awarded Advisory Team of the Year and picking up three awards at the Insider Media Dealmaker awards in summer for Emerging Dealmaker of the year, Deal of the Year (up to £2.5m) and National / International Deal of the Year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Knight Frank appointed to market 102,515 sq ft unit at Markham Vale

3rd October 2018

Commercial property agent Knight Frank has been appointed to secure a new occupier for 102,515 sq ft of industrial and distribution facility at Markham Vale, the popular 200-acre industrial park in North Derbyshire.

Knight Frank’s industrial and logistics team are seeking a tenant for the unit which fronts directly onto the M1 motorway at Junction 29a.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank and head of the Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Given the strategic location, immediately adjacent to Junction 29a, the site is easily accessible from the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, with direct connectivity to the M1 and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.

“The location and quality of build has previously attracted major players to this flagship development.”

“This type and size of facility proves popular in the Sheffield City Region and we anticipate good levels of interest in the available unit as the area continues to maintain its position as a distribution hub for the UK.”

Features at the unit include a two bay industrial/distribution facility with 12m clear internal eaves height, LED warehouse lighting, 10 dock level loading doors, four ground level loading doors, sprinkler system, heating to part of the warehouse, fitted office/amenity block including canteen and locker room, and a good sized external yard area and car parking.

The premises also have the benefit of being partly racked and have a multi-tier mezzanine extending to approx 40,953 sq ft (3,805 sq m) arranged over three levels which can be removed if not required.

Markham Vale has proved a success with occupiers including Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilstein, Gist, Meter Provida and Holdsworth Food.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Perez Lifts Carrera Cup ProAm Title

3rd October 2018

Amigos Team Parker Racing driver Seb Perez rounded off a magnificent debut year in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB by securing the ProAm title at the season finale’ at Brands Hatch last weekend (29^th/30^th September).

The Chesterfield based race ace chalked up the result on Sunday whilst celebrating his 19th birthday at the Kent race circuit, he took third ProAm in the opener on Sunday morning. His twelfth podium of the season was enough to clinch the title with a race in hand.

Perez overcame a difficult start to the year to take six category victories from the 16 rounds of the series but would need to ensure he retained that form if he was to take the title as the season drew to a close.

Seb’s weekend began with a great qualifying session on Saturday where he would land second ProAm behind his nearest championship rival. However, technical checks revealed an anomaly with the lead Porsche 911 GT3, handing Perez the P1 slot for Sunday’s opening race.

The Carrera Cup drivers were greeted by a bright but chilly morning for the first race of the day on Sunday and Perez knew that he would need to keep as cool if he was to firm up his title chances in race one.

Seventeen laps lay ahead, and a measured approach would be required from Perez, who would drop two places on the opening tour to complete lap one in third ProAm place.

Perez as confident as ever knew that it would be all that was required and with rival Dan Vaughan out of the race in the first handful of laps, he would just need to bring the Amigos Porsche home in a rostrum position.

A mid-race Safety Car didn’t alarm him, taking the chequered flag in third ProAm, sealing the title.

Race two saw Seb placed tenth on the grid, the race was a non entity as the job had been done and he was champion but still in his usual style gave the race all he had got to get a finish.

The season has had its highs and lows for Perez, firstly getting used to a new car was a complete learning curve after his last few years in Ginetta Juniors and last year in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship.

“What an amazing feeling,” said an elated Perez.

“It’s been a really tough season and there were times when I thought it really wasn’t going to be our year, but I worked really hard in turning it around. The results, podiums and wins just kept coming and as long as I kept consistent, I knew I had a decent chance.”

Perez cites the team around him as the vital part in his championship efforts.

“I really do acknowledge how much of an achievement it is to do well in the Carrera Cup. It’s such a tough championship and can be very unpredictable, so to come here in my debut year and be first ProAm and second Rookie to George, well it doesn’t get much better than that. I’m so happy for the team and the guys at Team Parker racing who have been superb all year long and have been a really important part of my progress. A huge thanks must go to my sponsors Amigos who have been behind me all the way. What a year”.

Team-mate George Gamble would also enjoy a successful end to the year by securing sixth place in the in the Pro championship, having already wrapped up the Rookie category at Silverstone earlier this month.

Thanks to the efforts of Perez and Gamble, Amigos Team Parker Racing sealed second place in the Entrants Championship.

Editorial by Paul Horton Motorsport Media and Photography

Images by Paul Horton and Carrera Cup GB/Dan Bathie

Posted in About Chesterfield

Annie aims to inspire with Half Marathon efforts

3rd October 2018

A keen runner from Derbyshire who has used exercise to ‘push physical and mental boundaries’ following her recovery from mental health issues will be taking on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon in October.

Annie Windley, from Woolley Moor, was diagnosed with a severe eating disorder in 2012, but after five years of hospital admissions, professional treatment and intensive care, decided to take up running to aid her recovery to ‘overcome the demon holding her down’.

And now, six months into training for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon on 21 October – which will be Annie’s first-ever endurance event – she is looking to inspire others while also raising money for local charity Ashgate Hospicecare, the Half Marathon’s main charity partner, after being told of the charity’s work by a neighbour.

Annie said: “I’ve always had a passion for running and I like to say that my running shoes are really ‘erasers’ – every step erases some past failure. Every mile brings us closer to a new slate.”

“Each foot striking the ground runs away a word, a look or even an event which led us to falsely believe that success was beyond our grasp.”

The 21-year-old has dedicated up to four hours a day training for the 13.1-mile event – running up to 20km at times and regularly visiting the gym – and has also refused to let a niggling knee injury rule her out.

“It’s important that when you feel like you cannot go another step, that’s when you give it everything you’ve got,” said Annie.

“I believe that everyone has the ability to turn their pain into power, and for some extra motivation to try a new challenge.”

“My boyfriend Steve has been extremely supportive of me and encourages me to pursue my dreams while also motivating me, lifting my spirits and believing in my strength to reach new heights.”

Beth Cole, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “What Annie is doing is simply inspirational.”

“It’s well documented these days that running and exercise can have such a positive impact on a person’s mental health as well as physical fitness, and Annie’s story further underlines the important role physical activity plays on improving a person’s wellbeing.”

“It’s also fantastic to hear that Annie is fundraising for Ashgate Hospicecare. We’re proud to be the main charity partner of the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, providing care to patients across North Derbyshire at our hospice and in the community.”

The deadline to sign up for any of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon races is midnight on Sunday 7th October. For more information and to sign up please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s BRM Solicitors advise in £110m development

2nd October 2018

Chesterfield law firm BRM Solicitors has acted in a £110m mixed use shopping centre and 174 residential unit development built in Acton, London.

Acton town centre is currently undergoing a wholescale regeneration, with the development due for completion in 2019 including the creation of 11 new retail units, a gym and 174 residential apartments.

BRM having previously secured retail pre-lets with M&S Simply Food, Wilko, Iceland, The Gym Limited and Lidl and the 2016 £69.5m residential development sale to a charitable housing association, this month completed the £41.5m retail shopping centre sale.

BRM advised land owner and developer over the course of site preparation, redevelopment, marketing, funding and sale.

Piers Slater of developer Reef Group stated:

“We are excited to see the mixed use regeneration taking shape with completion due next year, providing retail and leisure facilities for Acton.”

“BRM gave clear and pro-active legal advice in this complex transaction, innovatively reacting to and blending the requirements of multiple funders, and driving the transaction throughout.”

The deal saw BRM continuing to compete at a national level based on its level of service, and the high standards of staff and resources found locally.

BRM continues to advise as the development concludes over the next six months.

Adrian Sheehan led the legal team, supported by Sanjeev Batra, Alastair Reid (all Commercial Property) and Sarah Rowland (Corporate).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield athletes celebrated at Derbyshire Institute of Sport dinner

2nd October 2018

Celebrate the success of athletes from Chesterfield and across the rest of Derbyshire with the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) at their Annual Celebration Dinner.

Toni Minichieollo, coach of Jess Ennis-Hill and Chesterfield’s DIS alumni Alicia Barrett, will be the guest speaker. The dinner will be hosted by Craig Heap – Commonwealth Games gymnast.

20 year-old hurdler Alicia Barrett is from Newbold and is part of Chesterfield and District Athletic Club and will be attending the event. Alicia won gold in the 100m hurdles at the England Athletics U20 / U23 Championships. She was then selected to represent GB Juniors at the World Junior Championships in Poland where she reached the final and came close to breaking the British Record. Since then, Alicia has competed in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the IAAF World Championships 2017 and was a finalist in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Chesterfield’s Liam Pitchford is also a member of Derbyshire Institute of Sport, despite often being abroad for training or competing. Liam has represented Team GB at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 and Olympic Games. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow he picked up team and mixed doubles silver and men’s singles bronze, having won silver and bronze four years previously in Delhi. Gold Coast 2018 was Liam Pitchford’s third Commonwealth Games. He won gold in the men’s doubles, silver in the mixed doubles and bronze in the men’s team. As of September 2018, Liam is ranked number 31 worldwide.

The Annual Celebration and Fundraising Dinner is the main event of the year for Derbyshire Institute of Sport and aims to raise funds for the programme that supports talented athletes from Derbyshire to achieve their sporting dreams on the global stage at World Class level. As a Community Interest Company the Derbyshire Institute of Sport needs to generate income in order to fund the services, which are free to athletes. During the dinner there will be a raffle, sports quiz, photo booth and other surprises to make for an entertaining evening.

The dinner will be held at The Wardwick (formerly the Central Library) in Derby on Thursday 26 October 2018 from 6.45pm to 11.30pm. This will be the first event held at this new venue.

For tickets or more information regarding the event including sponsorship and corporate packages please contact Adi Fawcett, Head of Fundraising & Partnerships on adifawcett@derbyshireis.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Expansion for Banner Jones’ Chesterfield Family Law team

2nd October 2018

Leading Derbyshire law firm and Chesterfield Champion Banner Jones has expanded its Family Law team with the appointment of Solicitor, Adam Kidd, to its Chesterfield office.

Adam joins the team having completed his LPC at the University of Law in 2014 after which he entered into a training contract at Whitby-based Colin Brown & Kidson, before being appointed to the role of Associate Solicitor at the firm where he was based for four years.

Joining Banner Jones’ growing Family Law division, he specialises in supporting families following the breakdown of relationships, as well as overseeing the care proceedings for children.

Adam has a demonstrated history of working in both civil litigation and all aspects of private family work, undertaking advocacy in both county court and magistrates.

Kelly Parks, Head of Family Law at Banner Jones, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Adam on-board and have no doubt that, as a result of his experience dealing with divorce and judicial separation as well as dissolution of civil partnerships, he will be a great asset to the team.

“His appointment is indicative of our ongoing commitment to deliver an outstanding service to our clients as demand continues to grow across all of our divisions.”

Commenting on his appointment, Adam added: “Joining the firm is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing family team in an award winning, ambitious and progressive law firm”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

More than 10,000 turn out for Derbyshire’s largest careers event

1st October 2018

More than 10,000 people visited the Derbyshire Skills Festival – the largest careers event in the county. The event is organised by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council and is aimed at students aged 13 to 19, particularly those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school.

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People attended the festival and said: “It has been a fantastic festival again this year and it was great to meet so many enthusiastic young people eager to learn more about their career options.”

“More than 10,000 visitors attended the festival over three very busy days in Chesterfield and Derby.”

“Deciding which path to take after school is a really big decision and the festival is a place where young people can explore lots of different routes and get all the information they need under one roof.”

This year’s Derbyshire Skills Festival included three events, two of which were held in Derby at the Pride Park Stadium and the other event was held in Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium.

Councillor Dale added: “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who attended and to the exhibitors, staff and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication to making the events such a success.”

YOUTHINC careers advisors were on hand to speak to young people about the options open to them. There were also a number of ‘have-a-go’ sessions to try out a new skill in engineering, media, hair and beauty and much more.

Students can find out more about what their options are after leaving school by visiting the national careers service website.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town

Markham miners remembered with memorial unveiling

1st October 2018

Eleven new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery.

The figures were unveiled as part of the ‘Walking Together’ memorial – led by Derbyshire County Council – which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead. There are now 45 figures at the site – the first 2 were unveiled in 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1973 disaster.

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent. Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in 3 accidents at the site.

On 21 January 1937 an underground explosion claimed the lives of 9 men and in 1938, 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured in a second explosion.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury in the third disaster at the colliery when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed on 30 July 1973.

The former colliery site has now been reclaimed by Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “It has been a special day remembering the brave men that lost their lives in the 3 disasters at Markham Colliery.”

“It was really nice to meet and spend time the relatives and hear more about each miner.”

“I remember the site well. Not only as a place of work but where were great friendships formed.”

“We now have 45 figures as part of the memorial and more sponsors are needed so if you’d like to take part and support the project please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.”

Relatives of the miners commemorated at the unveiling also attended the event to pay tribute.

Each figure carries a tag with the name of 1 of the miners, along with their age and job role. These most recent additions have been dedicated to:

Arthur May, 59, Contractor
George Edward Pether, 30, Ripper
Harry Lavender, 39, Ripper
James Stanley Rowland, 34, Contractor
John Arnold Bray, 34, Ripper
John Thomas Brown, 26, Timber Drawer
John William Lievesley, 46, Deputy
Leonard Atkin, 53, Contractor
Thomas George Yates, 38, Timber Drawer
Walter Bluer, 41, Ripper
Wilfred Haywood, 36, Ripper

The latest figures have been sponsored by:

Duckmanton Primary School
G F Tomlinson Group Ltd
Maureen (nee Bray) and John Fidler
The descendants of Thomas George Yates
The Freemasons Derbyshire Fund through Foundation Derbyshire
The Markham Mining Memorial Working Group
The Milnes Family
The Pether Family

Henry Boot Developments and their consultants Jefferson Sheard Architects, Warrington Martin, Anderson Green Ltd and BWB Consulting Ltd have also sponsored figures.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a figure can contact Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey, email: peter.storey@derbyshire.gov.uk

Councillor Tony King (centre) holds a photograph of Markham miner Wilfred Haywood with Wilfred’s granddaughter Janet Wilkins and his second cousin Alan Perry

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Apprentices set to be honoured at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

28th September 2018

Three young people are set to battle it out to claim the Apprentice of the Year title at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards next month.

Celebrity chef Lesley Waters will announce the winner of the prestigious title at a glittering awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 31 October.

Ben Forster from Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Corey Elliott from The Lilypad Café & Restaurant and Courtney Slater from Katey’s Coffee Shop at Hollingwood Hub are all in the running for the award which is sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

The finalists will be recognised alongside more than 30 businesses from the town’s food and drink sector which have been shortlisted across 15 categories in the annual Food and Drink Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield.

All shortlisted apprentices were nominated for the award by their employers.

Commenting on being shortlisted, Ben Forster (19), a Level 3 apprentice in Professional Cookery at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said: “Everyone at work is really happy for me. It’s really good to have been chosen to be one of the finalists and recognised at work for how I’m progressing. I love the buzz and energy of working here. It’s amazing. I could never do anything else.”

Ben, who has ambitions to own his open seafood restaurant or bakery decided to do a professional cookery apprenticeship after undertaking work experience at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa when he was at The Bolsover School.

Fellow Level 3 Professional Cookery apprentice, Corey Elliott (17) has been with The Lilypad Café & Restaurant since he was 15 years old and worked part time in the kitchen washing dishes. He is now a valued member of the food preparation team. Corey enjoys cooking in his own time, often cooks for his parents at home.

He commented: “I love the atmosphere at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant and get on with my team really well. Cooking is my passion, it’s what I like to do in my own time, so it’s nice to be recognised for the hard work I put in here.”

Courtney Slater (20) from Katey’s Coffee Shop has completed her Level 2 apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering and is now a manager. She commented: “Every day is different when you work at Katey’s Coffee Shop; it doesn’t even feel like being at work. I love the team I work with and really enjoy my role here. I’m looking forward to the awards ceremony.”

Courtney, who loves watching The Great British Bake Off, has even developed new products for the shop and has ambitions to be a pastry chef at a top restaurant.

Ben, Courtney and Katey all hope to claim the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ title

Alongside Ben, Corey and Courtney, three businesses have also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year title, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group). The shortlisted businesses include:

The Rectory
Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House
Van Dyk

Both the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards are new to the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards line up for 2018. The new awards are designed to recognise and commend the valuable contribution both apprentices and their employers make to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Apprentices play a vital role in the town’s food and drink sector and we’re delighted to be able to recognise the young talent we have here in Chesterfield, as well as the employers that are supporting them through their apprenticeships.”

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Elder Way by Jomast Developments, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum), Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Winster Foods.

For more information about the Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Winners of the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards 2017 celebrate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Ashgate Hospicecare unveil new Garden Room and Dementia Friendly Courtyard thanks to a generous donation

28th September 2018

Last week, Ashgate Hospicecare officially opened the doors to their brand new dementia friendly courtyard and garden room thanks to the amazing generosity of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust.

The new garden room provides a homely sanctuary to patients and their families who want non-clinical, modern space to spend precious time together. The garden room is also a gateway to a welcoming outdoor space which has been designed to be dementia friendly. There are sensory plants, a tranquil water feature, comfortable seating and a mural that all contribute to creating a peaceful outdoor space.

Graham Moore, Chairman of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust, said: “As a longstanding supporter of Ashgate Hospicecare we are delighted to have funded the new courtyard and garden room, which I had the privilege of officially opening. This is an amazing space where patients and their families can spend quality time together, which I’m sure will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of patients.”

The transformed area will significantly improve the Hospice experience for all of our patients and their families, particularly for those with cognitive difficulties, as well as providing families with a place to take loved ones that is easily accessible but close by to the nurses which is important for continuity of care.

John Beeston, a patient in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “This was my first time seeing the courtyard and I think it looks amazing. It reminds me a lot of being at home because we get a lot of sparrows in our garden, just like those painted on the mural. It’s wonderful to have the bird feeders too because hopefully they will attract lots of birds into the courtyard.

The garden room is a wonderful addition too! It’s lovely because it can be used all year round and you can open up the bi-folding doors and feel like you’re outside even if you’re inside.”

Richard Gosling, who is also in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “I think that the courtyard is super! It’s just what we wanted. I spend a lot of time in the gardens at the Hospice, so having this extra outside space is great.”

Local businesses also added to this special addition to the Hospice. Without the support of Gary Fletcher Surfacing, John Plant MBE, Tesco’s Bags of Help, K B Rouse, Peter Barber, Walton Landscapes, TG Beighton, Hospice garden volunteers, Valley Reclamation, the DEEP Group, the Hospice Dementia Champions and CMC Aluminium this project wouldn’t have been possible.

Julie Foster, Ashgate Hospicecare Matron said: “We are so grateful to the Westfield Health Charitable Trust and everyone else involved who made this project possible. We have known for a long time that the environment has a huge impact on patient wellbeing, this new space is a home from home, a space for patients to relax, to celebrate with loved ones, to simply enjoy when it matters most.”

The Hospice was awarded ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2015 for our care, the garden room and courtyard are now outstanding spaces to match this care and have inspired the Hospice to make improvements to other areas on the Inpatient Unit.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development