About Chesterfield

Free conference to help Peak businesses tap the full potential of the ‘Purple Pound’

Time is fast running out for visitor economy businesses and services to book free places at a one-day conference featuring local and national experts in accessible tourism – now worth an annual £12 billion to the English economy.

The second Derbyshire Access Exchange will be held at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield on Wednesday November 21 to help the area’s business people and service providers make the most of the so-called ‘purple pound’.

Co-ordinated by Access for All UK, the consultancy arm of Accessible Derbyshire and supported by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the main aim is to create an even more accessible destination by:

  • Sharing best practice and top tips from national experts
  • Learning about accessibility projects across the Peak District and Derbyshire
  • Browsing and sampling products to improve accessibility
  • Finding out how accessibility can boost profits
  • Promoting and sharing accessibility projects, plans and marketing techniques
  • Meeting Accessible Derbyshire, the local charity that can help with funding
  • Improving confidence in welcoming people with access needs
  • Collaborating, creating new partnerships and celebrating success
  • Planning future action to improve accessibility

Key speakers will include Ross Calladine, Head of Business Support at national tourist board VisitEngland; Trizia Wells, Inclusion Manager at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum; Dan Smith, Head of Creative Design at Motionspot, offering insights into dementia-friendly design and Felicity and David Brown, owners of Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, who will share their advice and expertise on how to create accessible holiday accommodation.

The event will be held from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and a complimentary two-course lunch and refreshments are included. During the afternoon, there will be a series of workshop sessions, during which delegates will have the chance to experience the wide range of accessible facilities and services that are on the market.

“National research by VisitBritain reveals that one in five people in the UK have an impairment that might affect where they choose to stay and visit, and that domestic and international visitors spend more than £3.5 billion on overnight tourism trips in England each year,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“It also reveals that visitors from this market are more likely to take longer trips, are generally very loyal to destinations that meet their needs, and also that an extra £117 million a year could be generated from additional business if accessibility were improved.”

“So not only is improving accessibility important to improve people’s overall experience, it’s obviously very good for business. We’re very pleased to support this event, which we hope will further enhance the Peak District and Derbyshire’s excellent reputation in this fast expanding field.”

Gillian Scotford, of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire, added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and services to learn more about how they can better appreciate and meet the needs of the 13 million people with disabilities in the UK – ranging from hearing, vision and mobility impairment to autism, learning difficulties and dementia.”

“Last year’s event got things off to a great start. We are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is able to support it for a second time, and also to offer extra funding this year to enable us to offer four training days plus free audits, training and support to 30 small businesses in nine market towns. Their practical and financial commitment to helping to make life easier for people with disabilities is much appreciated.”

“We hope as many people as possible will sign up for what promises to be an enjoyable, interesting and very positive day, and will then take advantage of the follow-up training and support that will be available in the New Year.”

Tickets for Derbyshire Access Exchange can now be booked here.

Gillian Scotford (left) and Jane Cooper of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire

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

Chesterfield remembers the fallen 100 years on

Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to pause and remember those who have died in battle on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The annual service of remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 11 November, will take place at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’. Everyone is welcome to attend but residents are advised to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes very full.

The service will remember all those killed in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.

The service will be followed by a parade from the church, through Burlington Street, High Street, Glumangate onto Rose Hill allowing those taking part to see the poppy displays in the town centre.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade which will include Chesterfield’s Mayor, Mayoress and other local dignitaries.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial from approximately 3.30pm with the poppy cascade featuring 16,000 poppies donated by people from across the world as a backdrop.

To mark the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the First World War, the Chesterfield branch of the Old Contemptibles will lay a wreath directly after the Lord-Lieutenant, who lays a wreath on behalf of the Queen.

Find more information on the service and parade here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The remembrance services are a culmination of months of activity to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.”

“Everyone is welcome to attend and mark the sacrifice made by people in the war and subsequent conflicts.”

People can also attend an eleventh hour service at the Crooked Spire church on Sunday 11 November at 11am – the time of the 100th anniversary of the armistice.

Staveley Town Council will hold an event in Staveley at 11am on Sunday 11 November at the war memorial. More information here.

Brimington Parish Council will hold a parade and service in Brimington at 3pm.

Chesterfield Museum will also open on the day from 10am to 3pm to allow visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the First World War at ‘The Trench Experience’ exhibition. There will also be a talk on the Sherwood Foresters from Chesterfield who lost their lives in the First World War.

To see more information on events in the borough to mark the anniversary, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Countdown to first National Apprenticeship Awards

Apprentices and employers from across the country will join together on 22 November for Learning Unlimited’s very first ever National Apprenticeship Awards.

The evening of glitz and glamour at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield sets out to celebrate national apprenticeships and recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment made by organisations over the past year.

The shortlist has been completed and the celebration is now just weeks away. Winners will be announced during the ceremony, which is being compered by TV personality and journalist, Helen Fospero.

Invitations have been issued and places are filling fast but there are some remaining tickets still available for the extravaganza that includes a drink on arrival and three course meal along with music and dancing until 1am.

Mark Bennington, Managing Director at Learning Unlimited, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together for an evening of celebration. It will be the perfect opportunity to recognise the amazing achievements made by apprentices and businesses.”

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year with colleagues and also network with other businesses.”

Awards will include Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and Higher Apprentice of the Year to recognise those apprentices who have demonstrated an outstanding approach to their development. There will also be a special Dedication to Apprenticeship Award for the apprentice who has gone above and beyond their role as an apprentice.

Employers have also been shortlisted across six categories of awards that are designed to recognise companies who have shown a commitment to developing their workforce through apprenticeships. There are also two further categories of awards for individuals who have provided outstanding support to apprentices in the workplace.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champion launches Toy Appeal to brighten children’s ward this Christmas

As we enter the Christmas holiday season, Chesterfield Champion Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice is asking local businesses and residents to ‘spare a toy and share some joy’ and support them in their Christmas Toy Appeal. All gifts received will be donated to the Nightingale Ward of the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The Nightingale Ward is a dedicated paediatric ward which offers acute medical care to all children and young people aged from 1 day old, up to their 17th birthday.

Every year, many children spend their Christmas on the Nightingale Ward. At such a special time of year, Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice would like to bring some additional Christmas cheer to these children and their families.

Adviser Donna Robertson said: “Helping our local children is a cause very close to our hearts and we thought this is the perfect opportunity to give back!”

Donations can be dropped off at the Jones & Co office, 27 Glumangate, Chesterfield S40 1TX. Gifts can be donated up to the 14th of December, allowing plenty of time for Santa to deliver the gifts to the children on the ward. Please note, all gifts must be new and unwrapped.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Visiting

Prominent regional business figure appointed President at the Chamber of Commerce

A prominent figure in the regional business scene has been elected President at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) for 2018/19.

Kevin Harris, Office Managing Partner at RSM, the world’s 6th largest accountancy and advisory firm, accepted the chains of office from outgoing President Rob Mayo at the Chamber’s annual general meeting.

Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Kevin has been involved with the Chamber for many years. He was Chair at Leicestershire Chamber and oversaw its merger with the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce to form East Midlands Chamber.

Accepting office, Kevin first thanked Rob for all his “hard work, enthusiasm and leadership in the past year”. He then said that with Brexit day falling during his Presidency, his first goal would be to “make sure the Chamber continues to offer the help, guidance and support to steer members through the changes that lie ahead”.

He said: “I want to make sure Government keeps the needs of business paramount in its deliberations before Brexit and focuses on the needs of businesses in the wake of our divorce from the EU, whether that is with or without a deal, with or without a transition period.”

A keen believer in the ‘power of three’, he set two other goals for his term as President.

They are to focus on the opportunities presenting themselves to businesses in the UK from Brexit, from the Government’s Industrial Strategy and from the Local Industrial Strategies that are being developed by Local Enterprise Partnerships and to develop improved links between business and education and focus attention on the skills agenda as a whole.

His first official duty after thanking Rob was to announce Dawn Edwards as his Vice-President for the year ahead.

Dawn is Managing Director at Challenge Consulting, a Management Training and Consultancy Business, based in Woodborough, and also at Lambley Day Nursery, a 30-place children’s day nursery in Lambley Village.

Both are award-winning businesses and Dawn herself has been voted one of the top 100 Nottinghamshire Women of Influence. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, a Member of the Chartered Management Institute and was Nottinghamshire Woman Achiever of the Year in 2003 and Nottinghamshire Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010.

Several changes to the Board of Directors were confirmed.

Chair Phil Stanyer’s tenure ends on 31 January 2019. He was formally thanked for his service and was presented with a small gift. His replacement is trentbarton buses boss Ian Morgan.

Ian, who is Deputy Chairman at Wellglade Group, the largest independently-owned group of bus companies in the UK and owner of trentbarton, was appointed Chair-elect in July.

Chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Cub, Chairman of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, panel member of the Invest to Grow Programme and a former member of the D2N2 LEP Board of Directors, Ian previously served on the Board of the Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce and then the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber.

He was President of Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber in 2011. He resigned from the Board in 2015 after more than 20 years’ service but continued to work with and support the Chamber.

Two Board members, James Bowie and Past-President (2016/17) Geoff Poyzer, have retired. John Robinson and Mark Deakin, both previously co-opted to the Board, are now formally appointed. Directors Darren Clark, James Fry and Rob Mayo, who retired by rotation this year, have been re-elected.

Phil Stanyer, Chair of the Board of Directors, said: “I’m delighted to formally welcome Ian, John and Mark to the Board. They each possess skills, knowledge and experience that will be of great value to the Chamber.”

“And I want to express my thanks, and the gratitude of the Chamber, to James and Geoff for their support and dedication over the years. I hope they will both continue to be our good friends.”

The three county winners of the Chamber’s Business of the Year Awards were then invited to talk about their businesses. They were Jeff Counsell from trentbarton (Derbyshire), Nadeem Raza from Microlise (Nottinghamshire) and Sean Smith and Emily Smith from Michael Smith Switchgear (Leicestershire).

Four businesses that went on from the Chamber’s Business Awards to enjoy success at the East Midlands regional heats of the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards were then presented with certificates marking their achievement.

They were trentbarton, which won the Customer Commitment Award, Tidyco, which collected the Export Business of the Year Award, Shirebrook Academy, which picked up the Education and Business Partnership Award, and Dalycom, which won the Employer of the Year Award.

All four are shortlisted for national accolades at the BCC awards. East Midlands Chamber has also been shortlisted for Chamber of the Year and the Most Effective Campaign accolades.

The BCC awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London later this month.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The national Chamber Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, showcasing the pivotal role local businesses play in the UK’s continuing growth story and I’m delighted that East Midlands Chamber will be represented so strongly this year.”

chamber video export

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Groups invited to apply now for Action Grants

Community groups, clubs and charities are being invited to apply now for the next round of Derbyshire County Council’s Action Grants.

Action Grants totalling more than £210,000 have been awarded to 112 groups across Derbyshire in the first round of our scheme which we launched in May 2018. A full list of those who have benefitted can be found here.

Applications from the second round, which closed in September 2018, are currently being considered and the third round is open now inviting applications up to 31 December 2018.

From the £1.5 million fund there are 2,000 small grants of up to £500, a number of grants worth up to £5,000, and for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote two or more of the Action Grant themes, potential grants of £10,000.

Successful applicants so far were able to show they promoted one or more of the four Action Grant themes or a combination;

Youth activity – Including setting up youth clubs, organising activities for young people, projects to help young people gain new skills or schemes to help them deal with mental health issues.

Community activity – Such as setting up new community groups, organising a local event or starting a community project.

Physical activity and sport – Money for schemes to encourage residents of all ages to take part in physical activities, keep fit and stay healthy – or which encourage people to get active if they’re not already.

Community safety – Grants for projects to reduce crime and the fear of crime including raising awareness about scams and rogue trading, schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and initiatives to help residents keep themselves safe.

Successful applicants in the first round of Action Grants included:

  • Friendship and social clubs
  • Brownie, Scout, Guide and Cadet groups
  • Sports clubs
  • Fitness classes
  • Youth activities and support for young people
  • Baby and toddler groups
  • Specialist support schemes
  • New community initiatives
  • Music and arts groups
  • Gardening and environmental projects

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire and would benefit from a cash boost our next round of Action Grant applications is now open and I’d urge you to apply.”

“There are many groups which do amazing work to provide opportunities for residents in their communities and we’re keen to support them. An Action Grant could be just the helping hand they need to do even more to provide lasting benefits for residents across the county.”

“As the list of groups which successfully applied for one of our grants in the first round shows, we’re happy to consider any activity for Action Grant funding which can show a benefit for residents and their local community – anything from family fit sessions and school holiday clubs to schemes which tackle domestic abuse and support mental health.”

“We’ve made the process as simple as possible with a short form to fill in and a quick decision process. Dozens of groups are already benefiting from their Action Grants and we’re encouraging others to get their applications in before the next deadline.”

The deadline for the current round of Action Grant applications is 31 December 2018. Groups which apply should hear if they have been successful within 4 weeks of the deadline. More rounds will follow next year until the scheme ends in May 2020.

Click here to apply or for further information on applications.

Action Grants

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

New bridge approved for Chesterfield Waterside

The building of a new bridge at the Chesterfield Waterside development has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council. Once built the bridge will allow access to the ‘ The Park’ area of the development.

The Park is Chesterfield Waterside’s main housing area and represents phase one of the project. Construction of up to 170 two, three and four-bedroom homes within The Park is expected to get underway in 2019.

The first 19 homes within The Park neighbourhood have already been completed and fully occupied since February 2015.  They offer contemporary, sustainable housing in a parkland setting along the canalside and Brimington Road.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, the company leading the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside project. said: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council has granted permission to create a new access bridge and road to what will become The Park neighbourhood within the Chesterfield Waterside development. This represents yet another important milestone for the project, and we are now in a position to progress proposals to develop new homes in The Park area of the site next year.”

Chesterfield Waterside is an innovative and sustainable £320 million scheme and is currently the 47th largest regeneration project in the UK.  The development has risen from the remains of the old Trebor factory and is a major mixed-use regeneration programme to the immediate north of the town centre. The site straddling the River Rother and Chesterfield Canal and alongside the A61 will provide a thriving and successful new part of the town centre.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Waterside development

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Enter a land of make-believe at Chatsworth this Christmas

All who enter Chatsworth this Christmas will find themselves transported into a world of make-believe as it presents ‘Once Upon a Time’; a selection of favourite stories to enchant young and old alike.

Scenes from classic tales are woven throughout the Chatsworth House to create a storybook world guaranteed to set imaginations running wild this Christmas season, running from November 10 to January 6.

Arthur the dragon guards the overgrown North Entrance and those who creep past him to the grand rooms beyond will find themselves surrounded by scenes from family favourites.

From Snow White in the Sculpture Gallery and Cinderella in the Chapel to more recent classics like James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte’s Web, the house has never before been host to such an array of popular characters.

Storytellers with the air of the Pied Piper will roam the rooms and corridors to enchant visitors with mystical tales as they explore the magical land of make-believe. For younger visitors, a free family trail will be available at the entrance with a friendly baby dragon to spot en route.

It wouldn’t be Christmas at Chatsworth without a huge helping of dressed Christmas trees along the route, and don’t miss the mirrors on the wall for the perfect photo opportunity. There will costumes to try on for those who want to get into character too. As an enchanting end to the route, snowball decorations swirl around The Snowman in the Vestibule and snowflake lights glitter in the pale glow of the Sculpture Gallery.

Once again, the creative team at Chatsworth has produced a Christmas experience that draws on the talents of the staff from across the estate to make costumes, props and sets as well as painting, decorating, printing and staging with lighting, sounds and scents.

The Christmas route winds its way through the ground, lower floors and guest apartments on the upper floor. A timed ticketing system will be in operation, with visitors encouraged to book online in advance to secure their preferred time slot and take advantage of free parking.

The popular Chatsworth Christmas market will be running from 16 November to 4 December. With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it’s a great way to start the festive season.

Entrance to ‘Once Upon a Time’ is included with Christmas admission. Christmas tickets include the house, garden and farmyard are priced at £25 per adult; £15 per child and £69 per family (2 adults, 3 children).

Also at Chatsworth this Christmas, take part in the Traditional Christmas Decorations Workshop on the 9th or 13th December, where using natural materials from the Chatsworth Estate, you will make some special decorations to take home for Christmas or give as a gift.

You can also join the Christmas Willow Workshop on the 12th December where you weave your own willow angels, stars and wreaths to decorate your home or garden this Christmas, led by basket maker Maggie Cooper on the 12th December.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

New Grant Fund available for Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses can now apply for grants towards capital and revenue projects.

The Derbyshire Business Support Grant Scheme offers funding from between £2,000 and £50,000, which are available towards Capital or Revenue projects with the aim of supporting businesses to, expand, evolve or relocate, helping to create increased investment, growth and job creation.

Sole Traders, Partnerships, Limited companies and Social Enterprises who are liable or will be liable to pay business rates as part of the grant funded project are able to apply. A maximum of 50% of the total eligible project costs will be available and funding will awarded to support improved productivity, technology, systems, supply chain and skills development within businesses.

Chesterfield businesses wanting to find out more about the funding can attend a drop in session organised by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project on the 15th November at The University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus from 9.30 – 12.30. This drop in session will allow businesses to have an initial discussion about the possibilities of funding to help their enterprises achieve the step change they are seeking.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said ” It is great to see this new support available for businesses across Derbyshire.  We encourage Chesterfield businesses to attend the drop in session to find out more about how they can use this funding to support the growth of their business.”

The fund opened for applications in September 2018 and will run until the 31st March 2020.

Find out about this and other funding opportunities for businesses

Find out more about the drop in event for businesses

Weightron

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield in final two locations for potential Talgo Factory

Chesterfield has today been named as one of two locations still in the running for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.

If the borough’s bid is successful the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill, would become home to a factory which would create 1,000 high quality jobs.

The manufacturing site would also create an estimated 4,000 jobs in the supply chain for the region, as well as apprenticeship, training and educational opportunities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Today’s announcement by Talgo means we are getting ever closer to achieving this once in a generation opportunity for the people of Chesterfield.

“A new factory on this scale would provide a massive boost to our economy particularly in terms of job opportunities for local people.

“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also generate openings for local businesses to supply components as part of the supply chain, which would help create more jobs and increase the positive impact on our economy.

“Chesterfield Borough Council will now set about working with its partners to submit further information to Talgo over the next week and we will continue to make the strongest possible case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough.”

Chesterfield’s bid highlights:

• That remediation work is already underway to prepare the former Hartington Colliery site for development

• Chesterfield’s location at the heart of both the existing rail network and the planned phase 2B of the HS2 rail network, which will see Chesterfield have an HS2 station and also an HS2 line maintenance depot at Staveley

• Chesterfield’s excellent transport connectivity, with over 23 million people living within two hours’ drive, and four major airports and four sea ports within 90 minutes travel time

• That an investment would create further regeneration and development opportunities related to HS2, as well as support the existing Staveley Works corridor development plans for 1,000 new homes, a new primary school and £50 million access road

• The ability to offer Talgo access to the area’s world class rail supply chain and a highly skilled workforce

• The strength of partnership working in the area involving the landowners, Derbyshire County Council, the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

Carlos de Palacio – President of Talgo, said:
‘The establishment of a manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of Talgo’s future strategy.

“Talgo’s aim is to establish true manufacturing – rather than assembling from parts made elsewhere. This means that we will draw from materials and expertise across the UK.

“This keeps more money in the UK economy, and creates more skilled long-term jobs.

“Talgo also wants to develop a UK testing centre, and acceptance ability, to ensure a smooth and faultless introduction of new trains into service. We are excited about the opportunity that Wales has taken for testing – for the benefit of the UK – and we want to work with the Wales team on some aspects of this.

“Although there can only be one factory site, we have established lasting relationships with all of the countries, regions and areas that we have visited. We are now developing those relationships, to ensure that – irrespective of the factory location – Talgo provides great opportunities across the UK.

“Talgo is renowned for innovation. We want to encourage innovation, drawing on skills from all parts of the UK. We will shortly make a further announcement regarding our plans.”

If successful, building work would start in July 2020, ready for the train factory to open in December 2021.

A new £9 million innovation and training centre is also planned to be built at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for Talgo to use and showcase its technologies.

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Top restaurant revealed at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.

Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”

This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.

Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.

Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.

“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.

“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”

Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

To see all of the winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.

bottle and thyme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting