Popular bakery and continental cake shop Patisserie Valerie is set to open its first store in Chesterfield in December 2017.

Patisserie Valerie, who create luxury handmade cakes and patisserie as well as offering a continental menu in cafes across the UK, will move into the former Coral betting shop on the High Street.

The decision to open the store in Chesterfield further strengthens the towns Food and Drink offering joining a number of new establishments to open in Chesterfield over the last year including Bottle & Thyme, Odyssey and Spire by Stephenson’s – all finalists in this years Best Newcomer category at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Patisserie Valerie are a proud UK based company with a Belgian founder, who have been making lovingly handmade cakes since 1926. They offer a variety of products from cake to pastries, gateau, breakfast and lunch menu’s. Afternoon Tea’s and artisan made cakes available on order are also available at a number of their stores.

A number of new jobs are set to become available in the coming months.

The renowned financial commentator Justin Urquhart-Stewart has urged people to take control of their finances.

He said: “Families need to become less British and start talking to each other about their finances. It is not acceptable to bury your head in the sand.”

Wearing his trademark red braces, Mr Urquhart Stewart addressed a crowded room of local business people and investors and at a breakfast seminar organised by Chesterfield-based Milestone Financial Planning.

He advised that families sit down and list all their assets and liabilities. “I think many families would be surprised to find they are better off than they think,” he added. “The next step is get independent financial advice, particularly around retirement and protection so that they can ensure they are financially safe in future years.”

Mr Urquhart-Stewart is the co-founder and head of corporate development at Seven Investment Management, who are one of Milestone Financial Planning’s key partners.

Michael Heath, Director of Milestone Financial Planning, who organised the event in conjunction with BRM Solicitors and Mitchells Financial Services, said: “There has been significant change within the financial services industry, particularly around the rules governing pensions, which is why good financial planning is more important than ever.”

At the event Mr Urquhart-Stewart addressed people’s concerns about the economy and Brexit, blaming the media’s negative headlines for giving the wrong impression and undermining confidence. “The UK is a vibrant economy, however confidence within it is being eroded because the media constantly talk it down.”

He described Brexit as ’infuriating’ and ‘messy’, however he believes that it presents the UK with an opportunity to reform some of its ‘dumb’ taxes, highlighting Stamp Duty as a key offender.

Stamp Duty is a lump-sum tax that anyone buying a property or land costing more than £125,000 has to pay. The rate you’ll pay the tax at varies based on the price of the property and the type. People purchasing residential properties are required to pay between 2% – 5% of the purchase price with the rate rising to 15% on additional properties.

“Stamp Duty actually delivers a very modest amount to the economy, however if it was abolished then homeowners would use that money to move and would then spend money on home improvements. The first thing you do when you buy a new property is decorate, put in a new kitchen and use local tradespeople. The additional revenue generated through VAT on these goods and services would generate a far higher amount to the economy and also support small businesses,” explained Mr Urquhart-Stewart.

Citizens Advice Chesterfield recently announced that it has been named as the winner of the 2017 Money and Financial Support Award in the National Citizens Advice Annual Awards.

Hailed as “a Lifeline Service”, the award was presented by Sir David Varney and by sponsors Financial Capability Strategy UK (Money Advice Service) at a ceremony in Manchester.

A judging panel selected Chesterfield`s `Money Skills for Life` Project to win the Money and Financial Support award. This is for a service or project that has made an outstanding difference to their clients or community through money advice, pensions guidance or in increasing financial capability.

The Money Skills for Life Project was set up to help people better deal with financial challenges that can follow traumatic life events such as homelessness and domestic abuse.

A spokesperson for National Citizens Advice said:-

“Money Skills for Life was selected because this service helps empower the most dispossessed members of the community regain and sustain independence, improve their mental wellbeing and to gain confidence through better money skills and knowledge. By preventing problems early, it enables families to secure better outcomes and break the cycles of disadvantage”.

Neil Storer, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Chesterfield, said:-

“The Money Skills for Life Project has set a standard for innovation and creativity in working with people in most vulnerable situations.

“This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and commitment of staff and volunteers.”

Employees from one of the region’s leading independent estate agency have raised more than £6,500 for three local charities.

Redbrik’s Mark Ross, Peter Lee, Michael Parry, Lindsey Holdsworth, Tracey Gurney, and Ross Bateman ran the 13.1-mile Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon to raise money for their three chosen charities of the year.

Official partners of the Chesterfield Half Marathon, Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in North Anston, near Rotherham, as well as The Children’s Hospital Charity in Sheffield are set to benefit from the funds.

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“As headline sponsors of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, we thought it was only fair that we show our support by running the marathon ourselves.

“We are all so proud of completing the half marathon and for raising such an incredible amount of money for three amazing charities – we have far surpassed our target and the donations keep rolling in.

“The donations and support on the day really spurred us on and there was such an overwhelming feeling of community among the racers and residents of Chesterfield that came out to support everyone, making the event a resounding success. Roll on next year!”

Redbrik has pledged support to the event with a five-year sponsorship agreement with race organisers MLS Contracts Ltd., the region’s largest major events company.

Beth Cole, Events Fundraiser from Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“’As the main charity partners for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, we were extremely humbled to have received so much support from people choosing to run the half marathon for Ashgate Hospicecare.

“It was a pleasure to work in partnership with Redbrik and spend time with them at their branch during the runner pack collections.

“We are thrilled that the money raised by Redbrik at the Half Marathon will be split between three worthy charities and the team at Redbrik should be very proud of their efforts!

“This money could pay for 16 sessions in our Day Hospice where patients can receive treatment, give their carers some respite, take part in activities and spend time with people in a similar situation to themselves. It is a service that is much loved by all those who attend, so thank you so much to Redbrik for allowing us to continue helping those who need us most.”

Ashgate Hospice provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The hospice also provides a wide range of community-based care and support services to enable people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Bluebell Wood offers care and support to children with a shortened life expectancy, both in their own homes and in the hospice in North Anston. Every year, they aim to raise £4 million to keep the hospice running.

The money raised on behalf of The Children’s Hospital Charity buys life-saving equipment, funds vital research and treatment and helps to create a comfortable, engaging environment for patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The percentage of people out of work in the Chesterfield has fallen according to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Figures for unemployment in Chesterfield stood at 1,270 down from 1,295 the previous month.

Unemployment in the East Midlands stood at 4.02% for the latest period, compared with a national figure of 4.3% – the same as last month and the lowest since records began in 1975. Last month, regional unemployment was 4.2%.

According to the ONS, 1,855 more people (2,236,663) were in work in the three months July to September than three months earlier (2,234,808).

The figures released this morning also show the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, was down in October compared with September.

Of the three counties and cities, only Derby showed a very small increase (ten) in the number of claimants month-on-month. Overall, the number of claimants fell by 645 across the three counties from 32,350 to 31,705.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“The changes this month are all relatively small, but the positive message is that the East Midlands continues to set the example with yet another monthly fall in the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants and a lower unemployment rate than the rest of the country.

“We would urge the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in his Budget next week, to recognise the continued success of the East Midlands – which comes often despite Government policy rather than because of it – and not introduce any additional burdens or costs which could jeopardise what our businesses do.

“We would also remind him that this will be his penultimate Budget before the proposed EU-leaving date of 29 March 2019 and we need to see evidence that the Government is planning to ensure the continued competitiveness of UK plc post-Brexit.”

North Derbyshire’s leading independent estate agent has boosted its sales team with the appointment of a new sales manager.

Natalie Watters, 30, has joined Redbrik’s Chesterfield office as a sales manager where she will serve as the direct point of contact for vendors who are selling their home.

Prior to her role at Redbrik, Natalie worked at Reeds Rains for three years where she gained valuable industry experience in negotiating.

Natalie has a varied work history and has previously been self-employed, helping companies with their staff training, and has experience in accounting.

Natalie said:-

“I’ve always wanted to work for Redbrik – I just love the way they operate, from their exceptional customer service to their fantastic marketing.

“I am delighted to be part of such a welcoming and dynamic team. I’m really looking forward to developing my skillset with the company and bringing in new vendors.”

Mark Ross, Director at Redbrik, said:-

“Natalie has already proven to be an invaluable part of the Redbrik team, bringing with her plenty of experience, a willingness to grow and a great deal of local knowledge.

“As the company continues to go from strength to strength, we are delighted to be bringing in so many new people to strengthen the growing Redbrik family.”