About Chesterfield

Apprentices set to be honoured at Chesterfield Retail Awards

One of Chesterfield’s apprentices will be named as the town’s best at the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards next month.

Two retail apprentices have been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Jodie Tomlinson a hairdressing apprentice from The Lounge on Chatsworth Road, and Chloe Hall, an apprentice beauty therapist from The Therapy Lounge in Hasland, are both in the running for the brand new award after being nominated by their employers.

Jodie and Chloe will be recognised alongside more than 30 businesses from the town’s retail sector which have been shortlisted across 15 categories in Destination Chesterfield’s annual Retail Awards.

Both Jodie and Chloe are NVQ Level 2 apprentices and have impressed their employers with their enthusiasm for their job and the impact they are making on the businesses they work in.

Social media savvy, Jodie Tomlinson joined The Lounge after leaving Brookfield Community School last year and has ambitions to become a stylist following her apprenticeship. She is the ‘go to’ person for social media activity in the salon and her management of it has had a big impact on The Lounge, resulting in more publicity and an increase in business.

Delighted to be shortlisted Jodie (17) from Brampton said:-

“I was happy and surprised to learn I had been shortlisted for the award. I really enjoy my job, particularly styling and finishing people’s hair.”

Her boss, salon owner Rebecca Ward, added:-

“Jodie really deserves the recognition for all the hard work she puts in to make it in her hairdressing career.”

Fellow nominee and former Bolsover School pupil Chloe Hall (18) from Duckmanton, said:-

“I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship. I love being part of a team and doing the treatments. I really want to progress to a level 3 apprenticeship when I complete my level 2. It’s great how apprenticeships combine training and a wage – it’s what attracted me to doing one.”

Chloe’s boss and owner of The Therapy Lounge, Carly Smith praised her for her work as a salon assistant. Chloe is now starting to do her own treatments with clients and the growth in her confidence since starting her apprenticeship at The Therapy Lounge is reaping rewards for her customer service skills.

Carly added:-

“Chloe has put in a lot of work and effort to get up to speed. She has had to develop a lot of life skills since starting but her lovely personality has helped. We’re now confident Chloe will progress to Level 3 in September.

Alongside the Apprentice of the Year title, this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards will also be honouring the town’s Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Learning Limited (The Chesterfield College Group).

Three businesses have been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year award – Ashgate Hospicecare, Bliss Hair and Specsavers.

This is the first year that apprentices and apprentice employers have been recognised in the Chesterfield Retail Awards. The new awards are designed to recognise and commend the valuable contribution both apprentices and their employers make to Chesterfield’s retail scene.

Commenting on the decision to introduce the new categories to the Retail Awards line up, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:-

“I am delighted we have been able to introduce the new categories in the Retail Awards. So many dedicated people work in the town’s retail sector and this is reflected in the high calibre of entrants we have in each category.

“It is great to see young people developing their skills and careers in the sector and also to recognise the many employers who are supporting them through apprenticeships.”

The winners of the Chesterfield Retail Awards will be announced on Wednesday 13 June at the fifth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards, being held at the Winding Wheel.

Other supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber, eBusiness Works, In the Works PR, JP Fire Safety, Peak FM, Jumble Creative Design, Temple Safety, The Pavements Shopping Centre and the University of Derby.

For more information about the awards including details of remaining sponsorship packages, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Chesterfields apprentices

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Residents urged to keep Chesterfield blooming

Green-fingered Chesterfield residents are urged to pick up their trowels and take part in this year’s Chesterfield in Bloom competition.

Chesterfield in Bloom is a community-led campaign, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, aimed at encouraging residents to take pride in their area and forms the borough’s entry into the regional East Midlands in Bloom competition.

Last year, the borough won a gold award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition for the second year running.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the best kept garden competition to help the borough retain the title.

Categories in the competition are:

  • Best front garden sponsored by Dunston Hall/New Leaf Garden Centres
  • Best back garden (up to 80m2) sponsored by Chesterfield Markets
  • Best back garden (larger than 80m2)
  • Best container garden/hanging basket
  • Best blooming pub/restaurant

The winners of these categories are also entered into the best overall garden category sponsored by Killingley Landscapes.

Allotment holders can enter the best allotment competition. Categories are:

  • Best kept allotment site (six or more allotment plots)
  • Best kept individual allotment plot (150m2 and above)
  • Best kept individual allotment plot (less than 150m2)

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:-

“Each year we are astounded by the number of fantastic entries into the best kept garden competition – with so many people working hard to keep their areas bright, clean and colourful.

“I’d like to encourage people to enter and help us retain our gold award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition.”

This year also sees a special category introduced for council tenants. Categories in this competition are:

  • Best garden (this can be front, back or side garden)
  • Best container/hanging basket

Tenants can also nominate an estate champion to receive an award, this can be an individual or groups of people who take an active role in keeping their local area clean safe and tidy.

Councillor Helen Bagley, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for homes and customers, added:-

“This year we are proud to introduce new categories in the East Midlands in Bloom competition for our tenants including the estate champion award.

“This new award will recognise people who are community champions and encourage others to keep their areas clean and tidy. If you know someone who fits the bill, please download an entry form and nominate.”

The closing date for entries is Friday 15 June, with judging taking place the following week.

Entry forms are available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/bloom.

The competition is sponsored by Ringwood Hall Hotel. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the hotel in the autumn.

chesterfield in bloom

Posted in About Chesterfield

Tommy Lee testimonial match announced

Having been granted a testimonial match by Chesterfield FC to mark his ten seasons with the club, Tommy Lee’s testimonial match will be against a Wigan Athletic XI on Wednesday, July 25 (7pm).

With former Spireites manager Paul Cook and his assistant Leam Richardson set to lead a team from the current League One champions, a gala occasion is guaranteed as fans can celebrate the career of one of the club’s most popular players of recent years, before his career was cruelly cut short by a shoulder injury.

Tommy said:-

“As soon as the club granted me the testimonial, Paul Cook let it be known that he’d do whatever he could to help and I’m delighted that he and Leam have agreed to send a team to play in the match.

“With Wigan agreeing to come over to the Proact for a game that will be the first at home under new boss Martin Allen, the game is sure to be of interest to all Spireites.

“I have to thank Chesterfield FC for allowing us to stage the game, which will be a major part of the team’s pre-season build-up. The club has been brilliant in ensuring the game can take place and I can’t thank them enough for their support for what is sure to be an emotional evening for me and my family.”

The cost of tickets has been set to encourage supporters to attend in numbers, with a £10 maximum charge for adults and U16s costing just £3. There will also be hospitality on offer – details will be released soon, as will the date when match tickets will be available.

In addition, there will be a very special opportunity for fans to mingle with the largest gathering of ex-players that will have ever congregated at the stadium. The launch of the Chesterfield FC Former Players Association will also take place that night with 50 former Spireites visiting the match and there will be the opportunity for 50 supporters to join them in the Brampton Brewery Lounge for what will be a unique opportunity to meet and chat with so many former heroes.

Tommy Lee

Posted in About Chesterfield

Second date announced after free #Fit4HS2 seminar ‘sold out’ in a day

A second date has been announced for a free seminar to steer small and medium-sized enterprises through the HS2 procurement process.

The new event was added after the first ‘sold out’ within 24 hours.

Organised by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with HS2, places at the first event were snapped up by firms looking for ways to cash in on the huge infrastructure project.

With a waiting list of over 50 delegates, the Chamber and HS2, along with the D2N2 Growth Hub, decided to repeat the event.

Once up and running, HS2 will not only improve passenger and freight capacity on rail routes through the East Midlands but will contribute about £4bn a year to the GVA of the region and parts of Yorkshire.

But there will also be billions of pounds worth of opportunities for regional businesses during the construction of the new rail line.

The procurement event highlights the wide range of works, products and services needed before, during and after construction and are more than just civil engineering and rail related.

Ian Bates, the Chamber’s Sector Forums Manager, said:-

“Demand for the first event was incredible and every place was filled within 24 hours of it being announced. We had over 50 people on a waiting list, so decided to run the event again and are pleased to be working with the D2N2 Growth Hub to make this happen.

“HS2 will be transformational for the region and it’s important that local firms know how to identify and grab the opportunities it will offer. Those opportunities exist today, will grow during the construction of the line and continue long after the trains start running.

“But there is a process that firms must follow and unless they know what it is they will either arrive too late at the party for the best of the buffet or simply miss out altogether and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Matthew Wheatley, Interim Chief Executive at the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:-

“HS2 presents a fantastic opportunity for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands.

“With our excellent construction, transport equipment and supply chain manufacturing businesses, the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area has a lot to bring to the table where HS2 is concerned, but it’s also important that businesses in our area are ready to seize the opportunities HS2 offers.”

Examples of opportunities that sit outside the larger civil engineering, railway systems and rolling stock elements of the project include landscaping, tree surgery, wildlife habitat and woodland relocation, telecoms, site office and compound works, site security, signage, CCTV, traffic surveys and management, ground investigation, drone surveys, labour and staff wellbeing, plant hire, aggregates, ducts and pipework, pest control, specialist photography and more.

The #Fit4HS2 event will be held at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on 14 June. It is underwritten by the European Regional Development Fund through the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Hub.

HS2 procurement process

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Martin Allen named new Spireites boss

Martin Allen has been named as Chesterfield’s new manager.

Allen, who was latterly at Barnet, will have Adrian Whitbread as his assistant while former Spireites keeper Carl Muggleton takes on the joint role of head of recruitment and goalkeeper coach.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be named manager of Chesterfield,” said Allen. “It’s exciting and it’s going to be fantastic. We’re going to build a new team and make fans happy.”

Allen, 52, has experience of non-league football and guided Barnet to the Conference title in the 2014/15 season. Two years before that, he was manager of Gillingham when they won the League Two title.

Dave Allen, who is the club’s majority shareholder, is delighted to have been able to bring his namesake to the Proact Stadium. He said:-

“Sitting down with Martin was quite refreshing, as he ticks a lot of boxes.

“He’s got the same personality as I have and he calls a spade a shovel. He’s the right man at the right time for this job, make no mistake about it.”

Martin Allen

Posted in About Chesterfield

Planning permission granted for new car park

Plans to build a multi-million pound replacement Saltergate multi-storey car park have been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee.

At their meeting on Monday 14 May, councillors approved the plans for the car park with 530 spaces for shoppers and commuters. It will also help serve the 89 bedroom Premier Inn hotel being built at the former Co-op building on Elder Way as part of the Northern Gateway development.

Users of the new car park will benefit from an improved user experience. The new car park will have wider bays and a higher proportion of disabled and parent and child spaces than the old car park, which was demolished earlier this year.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “One of the council’s top priorities is to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and by investing in the new car park as part of the wider Northern Gateway scheme, we will encourage people to use this part of our town centre.

“Now the planning application has been approved, work remains on track for a start on site in September.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “The demolition of Saltergate carpark is a welcome and visible sign that plans for Northern Gateway are starting to come to fruition.

“The very fact the carpark is being replaced with a larger structure is a key indicator that there is both footfall and demand in  Chesterfield. There are also further multi-storey carparks being built at Waterside to meet future anticipated demand which is being driven by the town’s investment potential.”

Work is currently underway on the Northern Gateway scheme including the transformation of the former Co-op department store which, as well as the Premier Inn hotel, will feature six bars and restaurants on the ground floor and a fitness centre in the basement.

There will also be environmental improvements on Elder Way. A planning application will also  be submitted soon for a new enterprise centre on part of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

The Northern Gateway scheme is partly funded by the Sheffield City Region Local Growth Fund.

Find out more about the Northern Gateway development.

Northern Gateway - Multistorey Car Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure

Chesterfield Champion named as president of British Coatings Federation

David Beckford, Managing Director of Chesterfield Champion organisation Pronto Paints, was named as the new President of the British Coatings Federation (BCF) at the federation’s Annual Conference and Gala Dinner in Oxford in May.

During the event, outgoing BCF President Vincent O’Sullivan, of PPG Architectural Coatings handed over presidency of the BCF to David Beckford, of Pronto Paints.

Commenting on his new role, David said:-

“The coatings industry faces a number of challenges, including the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the defence of TiO2 and continued pressure on raw material prices. It’s in times like these we need our trade associations, and I know the BCF will continue to work hard on our behalf to ensure that we have the support and knowledge to be able to adapt accordingly, so that we continue to grow and prosper as an association and industry.”

Vincent O’Sullivan thanked the BCF team and said it had been an honour and a privilege to serve as BCF President and that he was incredibly proud of the achievements of the BCF during his term.

The Gala Dinner followed a day long business conference, with topics ranging from the political and economic position of the coatings industry, recruiting and retaining talent, to apprenticeships and sustainability. The afternoon focussed on cybersecurity and how to protect your business online, and a review of the last 12 months from BCF completed the programme.

Tom Bowtell,  Chief Executive of the BCF, commented:-

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Vincent O’Sullivan as President – he’s challenged myself and the team to take things to the next level, and I look forward to working with David Beckford as we continue working on Brexit and other challenges, to support the future prosperity of the UK coatings industry.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield hospice funding boost thanks to support from four-legged friends

Ashgate Hospicecare has received a £600 funding boost thanks to the efforts of Chesterfield-based training advisor Emma Stanyard and her four-legged friends Finley and Ralph.

The trio braved the unpredictable elements to take part in the charity’s Woofs and Wellies sponsored walk around the scenic Linacre Reservoirs, raising an impressive £300.50 which was then matched by her employer and local construction training provider, Construction Skills People (CSP).

CSP announced Ashgate Hospicecare as its charity of the year back in January when it committed to double any funds raised by employees for the cause which provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to patients across north Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales.

The latest fundraising efforts will go towards helping to deliver services free of charge to patients with any life limiting illness, and extended support to patients’ families.

Construction Skills People Client Services Director, Stuart Anderson, said: “This is a fantastic amount raised for a very worthwhile cause, and so we’re really proud of Emma for donning her wellies and braving the elements to take on the challenge.

“This latest fundraising initiative takes our total raised for the year to £850 and are looking forward to further bolstering that figure in the coming months.”

Established in 2008, CSP is the leading provider of vocational construction qualifications and training courses across the UK.

To date it has raised a total of £850 for Ashgate by taking part in sponsored walks and bake sales. The next challenge scheduled will see employees participate in the charity’s Sparkle Night Walk which is taking place in July.

Jack Wood, Events Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “As the demand for our services grow so does the need for funding, and so we are thrilled to have been chosen as Construction Skills People’s charity of the year. As a charity the fundraising and support that businesses provide through events such as this is absolutely vital to ensure that we can continue to support the people in our care.

“The partnership will have a huge impact for Ashgate Hospicecare, enabling us to support more families who have a relative with a life threatening or terminal illness.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Royal offers more support for patients with Autism

To mark the start of Learning at Work Week, the Chesterfield Royal Hospital has launched a new resource to help patients living with Autism.

Six Autism resource boxes have been rolled out across the hospital, containing a number of devices, tools, distractions and information to help patients on our wards and outpatient suites cope with the experience of being in hospital.

Sarah Sewell is the Royal’s Inter-Professional Development Lead, she said:-

“We developed Dementia Reminiscence Packs a number of years ago that featured a number of visual and physical aids to help with communication and memory. These have been very well received so we thought that we could do the same for patients presenting with Autism.

“The boxes have a variety of contents designed to help to reduce some of the sensory symptoms that can be an issue for patients on the Autistic spectrum. For example, some patients may find it difficult to cope with loud noises or a wide range of sounds that can come with a busy ward, so we have some ear defenders. Similarly, others experience discomfort and distress with bright lights so we have dark glasses to reduce its impact.

“There are also physical distractions such as twiddle-mitts to help keep fidgeting hands occupied, and coloured wrist bands and mood fans to help convey how a patient is feeling in the clinical environment. In the patient, carer and relative packs we have patient information, hospital passports and leaflets that will help to improve the patient experience. These packs will be available in all of the clinical areas so please ask a member of staff to provide you with one.

“All of the contents of the boxes and packs have been provided following a successful bid to the Royal’s charitable funds; patients, carers and staff have been involved in developing the resource contents. The aim is to make the experience as comfortable as possible physically, emotionally and mentally whilst creating an environment that will allow them to communicate more effectively. This means that patients and carers or relatives will be more empowered in decisions about them and their care.

The boxes have been made available on our Emergency Department, in the Chesterfield Eye Centre, on Nightingale ward, within midwifery, and there will be a spare set based in the Education Centre Library. The Inter-Professional Development team will be taking the packs around the Trust during Learning at Work Week to explain more about them, what is inside and how they can request one. Further packs can be requested from the library team.
autism Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Cheer on England in the UEFA U17’s Euro Semi Final for just £1

England are through to the semi-finals of the U17 Euros and all tickets for the match at the home of the Spireites on Thursday evening are just £1.

England beat Norway 2-0 in the quarter-finals at Burton to reach the last four of the competition, where they will play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday evening (7pm).

Goals from Bobby Duncan and Xavier Amaechi secured the win for the Young Lions, with over 5,000 England fans coming out to support the youngsters.

UEFA and The Football Association have made all tickets for the semi-final just £1 for all and have encouraged fans to come out and support the Young Lions as they aim to reach the final at Rotherham on Sunday.

With the tournament already being a major success, with combined attendances reaching over 40,000 so far, The FA has been working alongside local schools to engage children in the area.

England head coach Steve Cooper said: “I know the people who have been managing the tournament have wanted it to be affordable for families and children. That has definitely been reflected in the crowds we’ve got for England matches.

“We had a fantastic turnout at our opening group game at Chesterfield. It was a brilliant atmosphere and we’re really grateful for the support.

“Chesterfield is a great venue and we’re really looking forward to playing there again on Thursday. Hopefully we can get another strong attendance for the semi-final.”

See England play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday (7pm) in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final.

Tickets are on sale now for £1 via www.thefa.com or at the Chesterfield FC Club Superstore, including on the day of the game.

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

Perez takes Italian Double

Seb Perez Chesterfield’s sensational 18 year old Porsche Carrera Cup GB race driver stormed with two podium places at the legendry Italian Grand Prix  circuit of Monza last weekend.

The Amigos Team Parker Drivers impressive show of talent also gained him the Carrera Cup “Driver of the Weekend” for his performance in the  Porsche 911 GT3 and became the only driver in the series to win two races in one weekend

It was only two weeks ago that Perez took his maiden ProAm category podium after a tough weekend at Donington Park.

Amigos Team mate George Gamble from Southwell Nottinghamshire was on form too taking fourth spot in race one but finishing on a high by winning a thrilling race  two on Sunday morning.

Perez travelled to Monza with success in his mind and had already tested at the circuit before the start of the season in March taking some fast laps and times.

In both free practice sessions on Friday Perez showed impressive pace that saw him 8th and then 7th fastest out of 21 cars on track. Team mate Gamble taking 3rd and 4th.

Saturday saw the start of a busy weekend for both Amigos drivers with a qualifying session and race followed by a second race on Sunday morning.

Qualifying Saturday morning saw a solid performance from Perez finishing 9th place and 2nd in the ProAm category.

Race one saw Perez line up on fifth row of the grid just behind Gamble and was full of excitement from the lights going out, an opening corner shunt involving a number of cars saw the safety car deployed to assist in cars that littered the track.

Once racing commenced again Perez would enjoy a trouble-free run and stormed into first place ProAm driver during the opening half of the race and would stay there for the remainder, crossing the line fifth overall out of the 17 remaining cars, right behind Gamble but more importantly taking the class win, his second of the season.

A reverse grid race on Sunday morning saw the dynamic Amigos duo second and third on the grid, putting Perez on the first row.

In his usual style, Perez worked hard to ensure he stayed up-front of the ProAm contenders spending several laps playing cat and mouse and fighting for position with the Pro drivers. Keeping his cool he crossed the line fifth, taking the category victory in the process.

Team mate Gamble winning the race overhaul, a fantastic weekends racing was had by Perez and Gamble and Amigos Team Parker Racing.

Reflecting on the weekend after race two Perez said

I`m really over the moon with that one, it’s been a fantastic weekend from start to finish and that’s the perfect way to round it off”.

“I’m pleased with the way I drove in that race, keeping a gap to Tio (Ellinas – Pro driver) was nice. The race was action packed from lights to flag and I pushed quite hard in there and I held my own for quite a few laps but the aim was the class win and that’s what I got. It’s been great to come to a circuit like Monza and win. It’s really special for me”.

Perez leaves Monza in second place ProAm and second place Rookie. Amigos Team Parker Racing is second in the Team Championship standings and also won the best team award in Italy.

The next round of the season will see Perez travel back on home soil again at Oulton Park on 9th / 10th June where all the action will be on live ITV4.

Photgraphy Porsche Carrera Cup GB

Editorial Paul Horton  

Posted in About Chesterfield