About Chesterfield

Whittam Cox Architects retains Gold Standard IIP Accreditation

15th October 2018

Chesterfield Champions Whittam Cox Architects is delighted to announce that it has retained its Gold standard Investors in People (IiP) Accreditation.

The award places the practice, which has over 130 employees, amongst the top 16% of all IiP-accredited businesses internationally.

Whittam Cox Architects initially gained IiP Gold status in 2015 following the recognition of employee investment and recruitment initiatives. The second accolade, which has been measured against the new IiP version 6 (v6) standard, reflects the successful development and implementation of the company’s latest values and innovation strategies.

Dave Savage, Board Director commented, “Confirmation we have once again been awarded Investors in People Gold further strengthens the Practice’s credibility and reinforces how much we value the individual and collective contribution of all of our employees.”

“I am proud that the Whittam Cox Architects team has once again demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement and equally delighted that we have been awarded the Investors in People Gold accreditation in recognition of this. “

The announcement follows a successful period which has seen the Practice deliver a number of noteworthy and high profile projects including a new 3500 home development in East London and a 2500 unit Build to Rent scheme in Greater Manchester as well as being identified as one of the ‘Top 1000 Business’ to Inspire Britain’ and ranking as one of the ‘Top 50 UK Architects’ by industry leading publication ‘Building’ Magazine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Training course for construction mental health launched

12th October 2018

A leading Chesterfield training provider, which specialises in construction, has announced the launch of its first course centred around the mental health and well-being of workers operating within the industry.

Delivered by Construction Skills People, and designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first-aid basis, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course. Construction Skills People, who deliver a wide range of vocational qualifications and commercial training courses specially for the construction sector, are keen to see a change in the stigma that surrounds mental health, especially in the workplace.

According to the latest figures from The Health and Safety Executive, an estimated 12.5 million working days were lost and 526,000 workers suffered due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2016/17 across the country. Evidence from the Mental Health Foundation further suggests that nearly 13% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions, and that better mental health support in the workplace could save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year.

In a bid to drive those numbers down, Construction Skills People says MHFA will provide the skills and knowledge of construction workers to be able to identify poor mental health, as well as empowering both individuals in the work place and communities to understand the signs and symptoms and how best to support themselves and those around them in recovery.

It’s official launch comes during the week of World Mental Health Awareness Day – an annual event designed to promote worldwide mental health education, awareness and advocacy, particularly against the social stigma that many people with mental health issues face.

Kevin Hithersay, the Mental Health Training Provider at Construction Skills People who is delivering this course, said: “Mental health affects most of us in some way, and it’s important that we work to eliminate the stigma around mental health and encourage people to reach out if they are struggling.”

“This training course not only will help workers assess and support colleagues who struggle with poor mental health, as well as their family members and friends; but it is also designed to help to reduce the impact of absenteeism caused by such struggles on construction businesses.”

“The course is proving exceptionally popular to date which we hope is indicative of the recognition that this very important and very prevalent issue is now receiving.”

On completion, trainees will gain a qualification in Adult Mental Health First Aid, with the certificate issued by Mental Health First Aid (England). The MHFA standard course is split into four parts, including topics such as depression, suicide, substance misuse, anxiety disorders, self-harm, eating disorders, personality disorders and psychosis.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Working together to achieve world-class results for Peak District & Derbyshire

12th October 2018

The overarching message to delegates at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday was that working together is vital to secure the future success and prosperity of the Peak District and Derbyshire together to continue to create a world-class destination and five-star visitor experience.

Keynote speaker, Television Presenter and Peak District and Derbyshire champion Julia Bradbury, tourist board Managing Director Jo Dilley and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council all reinforced the rallying call as the visitor economy gears up for further success in the future.

Julia, the first-ever female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club told around 150 delegates that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire was listening to what businesses feel they need and responding to it.

“The key is communication, and working together in a collaborative effort is much more successful. When we lived in Sheffield and my family ran a fashion couture shop, we shared clients with local businesses – a win-win for all and very happy customers. Helping and working with and for each other is important. We shouldn’t always think of neighbours as competition.”

“Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire needs businesses to support it through membership. This doesn’t just allow it to bid for funding to deliver workshops and support. The more members it has, the more marketing campaigns it can deliver, both nationally and internationally, to raise the profile of the area and drive visitors here. As co-founders of The Outdoor Guide, my sister Gina and I are proud to be part of this.”

Jo Dilley emphasized the continuing need for close teamwork between the public and private sectors, the tourist board and its Patrons and members, the University of Derby, D2N2, Visit England and VisitBritain.

“By coming together, we are far more powerful,” she said. “Our mission is to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.”

“We want to offer a world class experience, encouraging visitors to share and recommend the area as a great place to take a holiday. The visitor economy is currently in very robust shape, and we are confident that next year will be equally, if not more, successful.”

“The income we receive from our public and private partners through grants, patronage and membership is extremely important in our ongoing quest to secure other funding from sources such as the Discover England Fund and the European Development Fund. Since 2016, we have attracted an extra £2.5 million to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor Barry Lewis underlined the key role that the visitor economy plays in Derbyshire County Council’s plans to drive economic growth for both residents and businesses.

“We recognise the fundamental role the tourist board plays in marketing tourism both domestically and internationally – but it is more than this. It is the focal point for business support to the visitor economy sector, and we are delighted to work alongside the team, always striving to help our businesses grow and offer even more excellent services and products to our visitors.”

Councillor Lewis welcomed the formation of the new Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, chaired by former VisitEngland Chief Executive and Derbyshire-born James Berresford.

The Board has been created to maximise the economic potential of Derbyshire’s unique and distinctive cultural and environmental assets to create an exceptional and thriving destination where people can live, work, visit and invest.

Councillor Lewis also underscored the importance of strategic regional initiatives such as the Midlands Engine and a new East Midlands Strategic Alliance to keep the visitor economy at the heart of Government policy and investment.

The tourist board team also looked forward to its forthcoming Food & Drink Campaign, set to be launched next spring to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire’s diverse and delicious culinary offer, plus a new initiative to develop business tourism, also scheduled to launch in 2019.

This will focus on bringing in new business at traditionally quiet times of year and also midweek, tapping into the potential of the wellbeing and health market and capitalising on the area’s assets as an accessible place where people can work, rest and invest.

Pictured (left to right) are: Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Deputy Director Lindsay Rae; its Managing Director Jo Dilley; Councillor Barry Lewis, Television Presenter Julia Bradbury, tourist board Chairman Paul Jones and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd.

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

Plans drawn up to roll out vehicle charging points in Derbyshire

12th October 2018

Derbyshire County Council are drawing up plans to install electric vehicle charging points across the county over the next 10 years. They are engaging with a range of partner organisations, across the private and public sector, to support the uptake of low emission vehicles across the county as part of their commitment to cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality in Derbyshire.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King said: “Protecting and enhancing our environment is one of our top priorities and we need to act now to cut carbon emissions in the future.”

“Electric vehicles are now entering the second hand market and if we want to encourage more motorists to make the switch then we need to make it as easy and attractive as possible.”

“That means making sure there are plenty of public charging points conveniently located for people to use across the county.”

“This is a golden opportunity for us to help encourage use of low carbon vehicles to cut the amount of pollution generated on Derbyshire’s roads and I’m pleased that we’re working jointly with partner organisations to plan ahead now to prevent it becoming an issue in the future. It demonstrates that the council is leading the way in supporting, not just the public, but industry as well, as we head towards a cleaner, greener economy.”

The low emission vehicle infrastructure policy is expected to be finalised and considered by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet members early next year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

Royal partners up to showcase Health and Social Care careers

11th October 2018

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital is joining forces with other local health organisations to showcase the different careers available within the NHS and the wider health and social care sector.

The Health and Social Care Careers Evening is aimed at anyone from the age of 14 to come and find out about the variety of professions and opportunities, what is involved in the different roles and how to get yourself on the path to the career that interests you.

The Royal has organised the event alongside Joined Up Careers Derbyshire, Derbyshire Healthcare and Derbyshire Community Health Services to host the event at the hospital’s Education Centre. It’s looking to inspire people who are just about to start their GCSEs and thinking about the different career opportunities available, as well as those looking to make a change of career and are looking at other options.

Gill Stevens is the Royal’s Head of HR and has been working on the event, she said: “This isn’t your traditional recruitment fair; it’s about having an opportunity to explore the fantastic possibilities available to anyone looking to take up a career within health and social care. There will be a number of stalls featuring nursing, midwifery, medical, general practice (GPs), theatres, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics, pharmacy, human resources, facilities services, radiotherapy, imaging, pathology, administration and the various apprentice roles.

“Wherever your skills lie, there is a career here for you and this event will give you the chance to find out how your skills can make a difference in the health and social care field. There will be representatives from universities and further education to talk you through what qualifications you might need to be able to follow a number of different career paths. There will also be professionals who are currently following their own path to give you advice about what is involved on a practical level in terms or work, education and skills you might need for a particular role.

“It all came about through the joint work we’re doing within the local Sustainable and Transformation Plan and we have planned the event to coincide with our ‘Work For Us’ Week. There are a number of employment fairs across the county but we wanted to hold our own to showcase the excellent work that’s done across the NHS, health and social care and how you can be part of its future. It’s given us the chance to hold demonstrations and clinical simulations that showcase the work the various teams do in a more practical way.

“If you’re at school or looking for a change of direction then come along, see what opportunities are out there and how you can work towards a career that interests you.”

It’s a marketplace event with a number stalls so there is no need to book. It will take place at the Education Centre towards the back of the hospital on Tuesday 16^th October from 4pm to 7pm. You can call 01246 513177 or 513077 for more information or email CRHFT.HumanResources@nhs.net or sara.boulton@nhs.net.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town

Planning application submitted for new Enterprise Centre

11th October 2018

A planning application has been submitted seeking permission to build a three-floor Enterprise Centre for small businesses as part of the Northern Gateway scheme.

Chesterfield Borough Council wants to build the centre on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park to meet demand for office spaces to house start-up and growing small businesses.

If approved, work would start in March 2019 and take a year to complete. The building would include:

32 air conditioned offices, of different sizes, to suit a range of start-up and small companies
Two meeting rooms
High speed broadband access and wi-fi throughout the building
A reception and shared lobby area
CCTV in communal areas inside and outside the building
Facilities for staff working in the building including kitchenettes, break out spaces, showers and a bicycle store

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “These plans are a vital piece of the jigsaw in the Northern Gateway scheme and we know from the enquiries we get from start-up businesses how much this type of office space is needed in a town centre location.”

“Like our existing innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton this centre would be designed as a place that start-up or new businesses can let on ‘easy in-easy out’ terms with a view to them growing as businesses, expanding and moving in to larger premises in the borough.”

“This means we can also support the wider local economy through this development as all those businesses create jobs for local residents. Having a centre like this in the town centre also means that the employees who work there will support other local businesses and provide extra footfall in the town centre area.”

The proposed new building has been designed by Chesterfield-based Whittam Cox Architects and is being supported by funding from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

Andrew Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “As a local practice we are delighted to support Chesterfield Borough Council with the development of a new Enterprise Centre.

“This is a key milestone in the regeneration of the Northern Gateway that will provide a new and unique commercial offer which we believe will be a catalyst for further investment into this area.”

“We are confident that our design proposals will deliver a high quality contemporary project that will act as a benchmark for the future regeneration of the town.”

The Enterprise Centre forms part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s wider Northern Gateway scheme, which aims to revitalise the northern end of the town centre. It includes:

The conversion of the former Co-op store in to a 96-bedroom Premier Inn, with six ground floor restaurant/bars and a gym in the basement. Work by private developer Jomast Developments to build the hotel is expected to be completed in November.
The construction of the new Saltergate multi-storey car park by Chesterfield Borough Council to replace the one demolished in spring 2018.
Environmental improvements to Elder Way and surrounding areas to create a more environmentally friendly space with a café culture, to accompany the work at the former Co-op store. Work will take place in 2019.

A decision on the planning application is expected to be taken by the council’s planning committee in early 2019.

If the Enterprise Centre plan is approved it will mean the loss of 60 of the 255 spaces on the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park. However, these spaces will be replaced by the extra capacity on the neighbouring Saltergate multi-storey car park, which is being built alongside it. Saltergate will also have capacity to cater for the existing needs of residents, as well as the visitors who will use the Premier Inn.

The Holywell Cross car park will remain open during the construction of the Enterprise Centre.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Have your say on proposed HS2 line through the Chesterfield area

11th October 2018

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to attend public consultation sessions to see the detail of the proposed HS2 line through the Chesterfield area.

HS2 has today (Thursday 11 October) published more detailed environmental design proposals of the proposed HS2 phase 2B line between Birmingham and Leeds, which would stop at Chesterfield railway station, offering reduced journey times from Chesterfield to key cities around the UK.

The plans also include a track maintenance depot at Staveley offering new skilled job opportunities for local people as well as developing the former industrial sites in the area as part of a wider regeneration plan.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to improve transport links and we are confident that Chesterfield residents will benefit from this.

“There are strong economic reasons for the project and having a stop on the route in Chesterfield as well as a maintenance depot in Staveley will offer great opportunities for our residents in terms of journey times and growing our economy.

“However, we must balance that against the need to ensure that the inevitable impact of such a major construction project does not come at the detriment of local communities.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has been meeting with HS2 on a regular basis to discuss mitigation measures to ensure that any impact from the line would have and the latest plans produced include the HS2 response to concerns raised by the council and other key community groups, including the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Councillor Gilby said: “We have developed good links with HS2 and have been able to discuss any local issues in a frank and open manner, and are confident this will continue throughout this process.

“We welcome the latest round of consultation as it brings the development just that bit closer. We are already getting potential HS2 suppliers contacting us who are interested in coming to the area.”

Over 100 East Midlands-based companies have already been awarded contracts working on stage one between London and Birmingham with more opportunities for phase two.

Councillor Gilby added: “Construction of the line between Birmingham and Leeds will offer new opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain and it is important that we engage with the business community so that they can take advantage of this and win contracts that will secure existing jobs and create new ones.”

HS2 will hold drop-in consultation events in the Chesterfield borough on:

Friday 9 November from 2pm to 8pm at the St Thomas Centre, Chatsworth Road
Friday 16 November from 2pm to 8pm at the Speedwell Rooms in Inkersall Road, Staveley

There are also events in Dronfield, Bolsover and North Wingfield.

Further information is available at www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Marshals required for the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

11th October 2018

Charity partners of the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon are on the lookout for volunteers to get involved with this year’s event, which takes place on 21 October.

Marshals will help to play a key role in the success of the Half Marathon, which is set for a bumper year with more than 1,000 people having registered to take part. They will be stationed at various points around the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and Peak FM Five Mile Run routes, assisting and supporting participants, local residents and spectators.

Sue Mosley, who marshalled the 2017 event with her husband Martin to support main charity partner Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “I think most of us can only dream about running a marathon or even a half!

“So I’d urge people to do the next best thing and marshal this year. Not only will you be supporting the most amazing event for such good causes, but you will also witness the true grit and determination of the runners, along with amazing generosity of the general public.

“If you live close by to the route, then where possible you’re stationed not far from your home – to ensure that you can easily get to your marshal point.

“Last year, we were directing traffic with the best way to get round the road blocks, talking to the many dog walkers passing by and were totally blown away by the support of people who lived close by.

“We were offered tea, coffee, soup, biscuits, cake and plenty of toilet breaks, and once the runners started approaching, people appeared from everywhere to cheer them on, wave and shout much-needed support.

“We were truly inspired by all this so much so that we will definitely be doing it all again this year – please come and join us if you can spare a few hours!”

If you are aged 18 or older and are interested in volunteering at the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, contact the events team at Ashgate Hospicecare on 01246 233404 or email events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield Half Marathon Road Closures and Parking Restrictions announced

11th October 2018

This year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9.30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. All the Chesterfield Half Marathon road closures and parking restrictions have now been announced.

In accordance with traffic authority regulations for Derbyshire County Council, an order has been made prohibiting and restricting the use of certain roads and road junctions by vehicles in order to facilitate the safe holding of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

The event will require the closure of roads and road junctions, car parking restrictions as well as the suspension of a number of Traffic Regulation Orders between 04:00 until 16:00 on Sunday 21st October 2018.

Download a full list of Chesterfield Half Marathon Road Closures 2018 .

See the road traffic order for the event.

The organisers would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their support of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Chesterfield-based charity Ashgate Hospicecare and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice will be charity partners of the 2018 race following a hugely successful inaugural event in 2017, which raised more than £50,000 for good causes.

The 2018 event is bolstered by an additional five-mile challenge, which will take place in tandem with the Half Marathon along with a Fun Run in the park. There will also be a ‘Wellbeing Challenge’, a team entry event that will promote healthy living – details for which will be released in due course.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We were extremely pleased with the success of the inaugural Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon in 2018 and were only too happy to give our backing to the event again in 2018.

“The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon will help to put Chesterfield firmly on the UK running map – as well as support some fantastic charities.

“Events like this one help bring communities together and we’re really looking forward to seeing how the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon will develop in 2018.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Royal visit to Chesterfield

10th October 2018

HRH The Duke of Gloucester has unveiled a plaque to officially open the NGS Macmillan Unit following a tour of the building at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The unit opened to patients in June 2017 following an 18 month building programme and a £2.5million fundraising campaign, including a phenomenal £1.5million donation from the National Garden Scheme (NGS), contributing to the overall £10million cost of the project.

The Royal visit gave clinical teams, architects, designers, fundraisers and those involved in the project at all stages the chance to talk about their involvement and give their thoughts on the finished project and how the unit has improved cancer services for patients, their families and staff.

Services that have been built into the unit include Haematology, Oncology, Acute Oncology, Chemotherapy, selected Medical Day Case activity, Palliative and Supportive Care. It is home to 21 treatment chairs, two treatment beds and three treatment rooms for chemotherapy patients compared to the eight chairs in the old Cavendish Suite which more than triples the capacity for treatment. There is also a Macmillan Information and Support Centre to help patients and their families through a diagnosis and treatment.

Carly Starkey is the matron for the chemotherapy service, she said: “It’s been such an honour to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to our new unit and show him our treatment areas, demonstrating how it has benefitted our patients. Compared to the old unit, which could become very cramped very quickly in terms of space, this new facility is incredible for our patients and staff. There is so much natural light thanks to the huge window space and we’ve had a lot of positive comments from patients about the view across the countryside.

“The environment is more pleasant and we have additional space to set up the various different treatments without disrupting patients. The chairs we’ve brought in are state of the art as well. Our patients were involved in choosing the most comfortable ones which are fully adjustable to suit the individual and we have retractable screens for increased privacy and dignity. We now provide more treatments for more patients in a more comfortable environment which is fantastic for the people of North Derbyshire.”

Dr Roger Start is the Lead Cancer Clinician and led the project from the very beginning, he said: “We needed to address the growing demand for cancer services. Current statistics show that one in every two people born after 1960 will develop cancer within their lifetime which means that our chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis is increasing.

“It was always our intention to build a unit for the treatment of cancer but, with the help of Macmillan and the National Garden Scheme, instead of having what would have been an ordinary building we now have an extraordinary one. Thanks to the considerable sum raised through Macmillan’s campaign we have a building we can be proud of and I’d like to thank everybody who baked cakes, pushed beds, shaved heads and ran, walked and cycled thousands of miles for making this possible. The unit provides exactly the kind of space, natural light and relaxing environment to complement the exceptional care and treatment that our services provide.”

Elaine Wilson, Macmillan Strategic Partnership Manager for the East Midlands, said: “The NGS Macmillan Unit is having a really positive impact on people living with cancer in North Derbyshire. Thanks to the support of our fundraisers who helped us raise £2.5million towards to cost of the new unit, more people than ever before are being treated closer to home in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility. The Macmillan Information and Support service has already seen more than 3,000 patient visits since the Unit opened, so that non-clinical needs such as emotional and practical support are being met which is really important as we know that cancer can affect so much more than just your health.”

The Royal visit included a tour of the unit’s clinical rooms, the chemotherapy treatment area, the Macmillan Information and Support Centre and reception. His Royal Highness spoke with staff who work in those areas and patients, hearing about the building of the unit, its design and how the wider community were involved throughout the project, not to mention the incredible efforts of those who raised money for the Macmillan campaign.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Farm to Fork experience fuels food passion for college students

10th October 2018

Three of Chesterfield’s most promising young chefs have had their passion for food fuelled further by a Farm to Fork experience organised by Destination Chesterfield and Owen Taylor & Sons.

Chesterfield College Level 2 cookery students, Ashley Pienaar (18), Callum Taylor (18) and Kye Homiak (18) have all been shortlisted for the Young Chef of the Year Award in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Designed to give the promising young chefs an understanding of how the best of Derbyshire’s farming, butchery and culinary skills result in an outstanding dining experience, Ashley, Callum and Kye visited Owen Taylor’s factory butchery and the Red Tractor assured Butterley Top Farm in Ashover, before enjoying lunch at the Michelin-starred Fischer’s Baslow Hall hosted by head chef and owner, Rupert Rowley.

Carl Evans, Operations Manager at Owen Taylor & Sons, who accompanied the students, commented: “It was great to see Ashley, Callum and Kye so enthusiastic about every aspect of the Farm to Fork experience, asking a number of technical questions.

“We have taken a very hands-on role in our involvement with our sponsorship of the Young Chef of the Year category in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. We think it’s important that people working in kitchens understand what goes on behind the scenes and appreciate how food is produced.

“Good chefs have a thorough understanding of the food miles, welfare and traceability of the produce they use. We only source produce from Farm Assured sites and that is why we supply to top restaurants and chefs like Fischer’s Baslow Hall.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, praised Owen Taylor & Sons’ involvement in the 2018 Food and Drink Awards, saying: “The Farm to Fork experience embodies the key driver of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“When we established the awards six years ago, our primary aim was to link suppliers, restaurants, education providers and young people in order to raise awareness of the thriving sector in Chesterfield but also make them aware of the many opportunities available within it.”

The students will have to wait until Wednesday 31 October to learn who is the winner of the prestigious Young Chef of the Year award. The winners of all 15 categories will be announced by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who is hosting the glittering black-tie awards ceremony at Chesterfield College’s modern Heart Space Building.

Blu Bistro & Coffee House, Bottle & Thyme and Cocina at Casa Hotel all hoping to take the top title of Restaurant of the Year 2018. This year, the awards also sees the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the 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, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants and Winster Foods.

More information about Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

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