About Chesterfield

Don’t miss deadline to register to vote in general election

15th May 2017

Residents are being urged by Chesterfield Borough Council to ensure they register to vote in the general election taking place on Thursday 8 June.

The deadline for people who are not currently registered to do so is midnight on Monday 22 May. Anyone who has failed to register by this time will be unable to cast their vote in the general election.

Residents are also being reminded that being on the electoral register improves their credit rating which helps increase the chances of successfully applying for things like credit cards, mobile phone contracts, mortgages or loans.

To register, simply visit the website here.

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive and electoral registration officer, said:-

“It only takes a few minutes to register to vote through the website. All you need to hand is your date of birth, address and National Insurance number.

“People often don’t realise that by being registered to vote you not only get the chance to have your say on the way the country is run but you also improve your credit rating instantly. This is used by companies when they are making decisions on whether to agree to loans or other credit arrangements.

“Anyone who is already registered doesn’t need to do so again. They will have already received poll cards enabling them to vote on 8 June.”

Residents living in the Chesterfield borough with any queries about electoral registration can contact the council’s elections team on 01246 345402 or email elections@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Start-up business wins major rail contracts

15th May 2017

Contracts totaling £100,000 within the rail industry have been won by start-up business The Sanitaryware Supplies Company.

The online business, which was established last year, is the brainchild of Andy Dukelow, the former Managing Director of Chesterfield-based Franke Sissons.

The company, which supplies a range of commercial sanitaryware and for healthcare, transport, stadiums, schools, sanitary bin service and public washrooms nationally, builds on Andy’s 35 years’ experience in market leading design, specification and knowledge across all commercial sanitaryware market sectors.

As part of the contract wins, The Sanitaryware Supplies Company is supplying grab poles, socket boxes and plates for power sockets as part of a major carriage refurbishment project for Trains Bits and More Limited. Additionally, the company is supplying parts for toilet systems as well as fascia panels for contracts with Bombardier and Arriva respectively.

Neil Smith, Trains Bits and More Limited Director, said:-

“We have extensive expertise and some great facilities at our Cheshire site, but working alongside a proven supplier of top-class washroom products is a real bonus for us.

“Moreover, Sanitaryware Supplies have some superb engineering workshops themselves, and they have already provided us with the necessary capacity to supply bespoke electrical backboxes and casings for our ongoing roll-out of three-pin and USB power sockets to several train companies.

“Looking forward, with increased skills and resources across two respected companies, we can provide a one-stop service to train operators looking to refurbish their fleet’s passenger toilet and washroom facilities.”

As well as having an online presence, The Sanitaryware Supplies Company also offers a traditional design and manufacturing service, with bespoke stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium projects, manufactured in Chesterfield.

Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of The Sanitaryware Supplies Company, commented:-

“There is a gap in the market for a quality stainless steel sanitaryware supplier, especially in custom made fabrication which is supported by a technical and after sales service that you can only deliver by having 35 years’ industry experience. Because of this, the business has really hit the ground running and I am winning sizeable national contracts which are contributing to the future success of The Sanitaryware Supplies Company.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield welcomes new mayor Councillor Maureen Davenport

12th May 2017

Chesterfield welcomes its 377^th mayor as Councillor Maureen Davenport takes on the role for the coming year.

The new mayor took up her new role at Chesterfield Borough Council’s annual council meeting held on Wednesday 10 May.

Councillor Davenport is a Liberal Democrat councillor and has served Brockwell ward since 2007.

During her time as a councillor, she has served on the appeals, planning, employment and general, and markets’ consultative committees and served as deputy leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat group.

She was born in Chesterfield and has lived in the borough all her life except for her student says which were spent in London. Her working life was spent as a teacher in Derbyshire.

She was married to Robert until his death in 2000 and has a daughter, Linda, a son, Andrew and four grandchildren.

Councillor Davenport said:-

“I feel very honoured to be mayor of Chesterfield and will carry out the role to the very best of my ability.

“I enjoy meeting people and look forward to interacting with as many residents as possible in their various activities during my mayoral year.”

The new mayor will be supported by her friend and mayoress, Liz Archer.

They take up their posts two weeks after Councillor Tricia Gilby and Councillor Amanda Serjeant took over as the council’s leader and deputy leader. It means that for the first time in the council’s history there is an all-woman executive and civic leadership.

Residents are invited to attend the civic service at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the Crooked Spire, on Saturday 13 May from 11am.

The service will be led by the mayor’s chaplain, Revd Janet Quick, and the church’s incumbent, Revd Patrick Coleman.

There will be a civic procession from the Town Hall to the church.

Anyone attending the service is asked to be seated for 10.40am before the procession arrives at the church.

The service will be followed by a further procession from the church to the Town Hall. There is likely to be congestion in the town centre and the car parks around the Town Hall will also be closed until after the service.

The mayor and mayoress will support two charities during their year of office: The new Macmillan Cancer Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and the Chesterfield Child Contact Centre.

Councillor Davenport and Mrs Archer replace Councillor Steve Brunt and his wife, Jill Mannion-Brunt who served as mayor and mayoress in 2016/17.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Mitchells senior partner retires after nearly 50 years

12th May 2017

The senior partner of Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Richard Trueman, has retired after nearly 50 years’ service with the firm.

He joined Mitchells in 1970 as a fresh-faced 18-year old from Chesterfield Boys School, now Brookfield Community School, and was made partner of the firm in 1978. He leaves 12 months ahead of Mitchells celebrating its 150^th anniversary.

Richard leaves after 46 years’ service during which he has worked with around 1,200 clients. He leaves the firm in the hands of senior partner Tim Leeman, who is supported by fellow partners Andrew McDaid and Tony Hornsby, who were promoted in 2015 as part of the firm’s succession planning strategy ahead of Richard’s retirement.

Under Richard’s leadership, Mitchells has grown to become one of the leading firms of Chartered Accountants in Chesterfield and north east Derbyshire. From handwriting all accounts in ledgers when he joined, the firm has progressed to become a leader in its field for the adoption of technology, winning awards for its CloudMitchells online service.

Richard explained:-

“When I started my career we were still writing everything in ledgers, an Apple was something you ate; a Dell was a secluded valley and a calculator was the person who could add up fastest in the office. Things have certainly changed, however what has remained constant is the fact that the people continue to be at the heart of the firm.

“I have loved my time at Mitchells – all 46 years of it, and that’s because of the people. They have not only made coming to work fun, but also given me great personal pride in seeing so many of them develop their careers at Mitchells.

“I leave the firm in the very capable hands of my fellow partners. Mitchells goes into its 150^th year in strong shape which I am confident will continue under the leadership of Tim, Tony and Andrew.”

Tim Leeman, partner at Mitchells added:-

“Myself and all staff and clients wish Richard well in his retirement. He is officially the longest serving member of staff and will be missed, but his legacy in the firm lives on in the strong team he has helped build here as well as the processes and technology he has put in place to make us one of the leading and longest established firms of Chartered Accountants in the area.”

Richard’s retirement was marked with a celebration for all staff and clients at Casa Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Three main parties to take part in business hustings

12th May 2017

The three main political parties will be represented at a hustings style General Election business briefing in Chesterfield next week.

Chamber research reveals that regional businesses have conquered initial fears over Brexit, and have demonstrated adaptability and flexibility under challenging circumstances. However, it is important that the understandable preoccupation with Brexit does not come at the expense of a number of other domestic concerns that firms still have on a variety of topical issues.

Against a backdrop of prevailing uncertainty inhibiting investment intentions, the aim of this session is to enable each party to clearly articulate what it stands for on a broad range of operating issues affecting the day-to-day activities of firms across the region.

Candidates confirmed to attend so far are Toby Perkins (Labour) , Nigel Mills (Conservative) and Tom Snowdon (LibDem) have all confirmed they will take part in the East Midlands Chamber and Destination Chesterfield hosted event.

Many local businesses, covering a cross section in terms of sector and size, are expected to attend the event to question candidates about where they stand on Brexit, support for business growth, jobs creation and security and the wider regional economy.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“There are many domestic issues that risk being shunted into the sidings as negotiations for Brexit and trade agreements with the rest of the world grab centre stage in politics.

“But it’s important that momentum is not lost in these matters and businesses, quite rightly, will be seeking assurances from electoral candidates that they will not let them get sidelined.”

The free event will be held at East Midlands Chamber’s office at Commerce House, Millenium Way, Dunston Road, Chesterfield from 5pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 18 May. If you are a local business and would like to be involved click here to book.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield business celebrate continued growth with move to new headquarters

11th May 2017

Chesterfield-based kitchenware manufacturer David Mason Design are set to move into their new headquarters at Carrwood Industrial Estate after 7 year deal agreed with national industrial and commercial property manager, Dunedin.

The transaction, facilitated by property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP), will see the family run wholesale supplier – best known for its bespoke salt and pepper mills and tableware accessories – take over the 22,750 sq ft unit situated close to the town’s centre and just off the A61.

Adam Smith of Dunedin Industrial, said:-

“The warehouse, which is situated on the Carrwood Industrial Estate in Chesterfield, provides David Mason Design with an ideal base from which to meet the needs of its customers across the country.

“Spanning in excess of 22,000 sq ft their new premises comes with ample office and warehouse space to allow expansion and continued growth in the months and years ahead.”

Property consultancy CPP, which acted on behalf of the landlord, has also been responsible for other deals at the popular industrial estate; with a leading plumbing and heating products distributor taking over four bays spanning in excess of 50,000 sq ft – inclusive of warehouse and office space – in December 2016.

Ed Norris, commenting on the deal between David Mason Design and Dunedin CPP Partner, said:-

“The Carrwood Industrial Estate is ideally situated close to major transport links, making it an ideal location for businesses such as David Mason Design and other businesses like it which require a high level of accessibility due to a far-reaching network of clients.”

Commenting on the new premises David Mason Design’s CEO, Nicholas Cowan, said the business now had the space needed to continue to ‘deliver excellence’ to a growing customer base across the UK and abroad – including retailers, importers and distributors.

He said:-

“With more than 60 years’ experience in the production of mills we have established a strong reputation for technical innovation and quality when it comes to designing and manufacturing salt and pepper mills and other kitchenware accessories.

“This move into bigger premises located close to major transport links is part of our ongoing commitment to providing an accessible service to our customers who are invested in sourcing, supplying and selling unique, exclusive products.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Peak FM awards to shine a light on local heroes

11th May 2017

The Peak FM Local Hero Awards return in June with just one purpose: to shine a light on the outstanding, caring and selfless people of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

This year’s celebration event will be held at one of Chesterfield’s most historic buildings, The Winding Wheel on Friday 9^th June, thanks to CBD Training. The business community, Peak FM presenters and staff, local celebrities and star entertainers will join those deserving people who have been nominated in one of the Local Hero categories ranging from Child or Teenager of Courage to Contribution to the Community.

Tim Smith, Peak FM Content Controller, anticipates another spectacular evening:-

“The sheer goodwill and determination of people can really take you back and that’s why we pull out all the stops to make this annual event so special. I can’t reveal too much about the acts on the night – we want that to be a surprise.

All I can say is expect an uplifting night of heart warming stories, great live music and fantastic food as we celebrate the Local Heroes of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.”

Sam Fielding, Regional Station Director, adds:-

“This is my favourite event in our calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise the amazing achievements of our local people who have in some way made a difference to our local community, shown courage or helped make the lives of others that little bit better”.

Nominations for all categories can be made at here until 21^st May.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Celebrate the Winding Wheel’s 30th anniversary

11th May 2017

Residents and visitors can join in the celebrations for the Winding Wheel‘s 30^th anniversary of the with a series of events this month.

The building, a former picture house, was taken over by Chesterfield Borough Council as a theatre, conference and wedding venue in 1987.

A specially commissioned exhibition prepared by the council’s museum service looks at the history of the Grade II listed building from its opening in 1923 to today.

The free exhibition is open from Monday 15 to Friday 26 May with tours being held on most days. Tours are free but must be booked in advance. For opening times and tour availability click here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“The Winding Wheel is a great asset to the council and we would like people to come along and celebrate this wonderful venue.

“Whether it’s seeing round backstage on one of the tours or watching one of the films or concerts, we’re hoping to welcome people along to join in the celebrations.”

There will also be a series of movie screenings to celebrate to anniversary including: Grease (PG), Mamma Mia (PG), The Sound of Music (U) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (15).

There will also be a series of live events including a 30^th birthday celebration with Ashby Little Big Band, the Magic of Motown and the Northern Chamber Orchestra.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Over 50% of tickets sold for Yorkshire derby at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

10th May 2017

Over 50% of tickets for the NatWest T20 Blast local derby versus Yorkshire at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, have already been sold – with two months still to go. The fixture is part of the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council which runs from Monday 4 July to Saturday 8 July.

The Twenty20 fixture versus Yorkshire is always one of the Club’s highest attended matches of the season, and the game in 2015 was a complete advance sell out.

Demand for this summer’s fixture on Saturday 8 July has been unprecedented to date and the Club has sold doubled the number of tickets compared to the same date last year.

54% of tickets for the local derby have already been sold, two months out from the fixture date.

The Club is encouraging supporters to purchase their tickets early to guarantee their place, and early purchasers will also save money with our advance ticket offer.

An allocation of tickets have been reserved for Members and Six Pack Ticket holders.

Simon Storey, Chief Executive of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said:-

“We’re delighted with the support we have received for this year’s annual festival, which has once again been given a prime date in 2017.

“We have worked closely with Chesterfield Borough Council following last year’s event. They conducted a full investigation into the waterlogged pitch issues and they have undertaken maintenance work to fix the issues.

“Chesterfield is a special venue for cricket, especially when there’s a big crowd, and the way sales are currently going, the game against Yorkshire is set to be another sell out.”

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“We are pleased to hear that ticket sales for the derby with Yorkshire are going well and expect the match to be a sell out as in previous years.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming Durham for the county championship game as part of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket that we support each year.

“Alongside the opportunity for local people to see some great first class cricket action we also work with the club to use the festival to promote health and wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on encouraging schoolchildren to lead fit and active lifestyles.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield to celebrate with Love Your Local Market event

10th May 2017

The Love Your Local Market event will take place on the third Saturday of each month beginning on Saturday 20 May in New Square.

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can celebrate their local market with the new regular event organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Healthy High Streets beginning this month.

The event will celebrate all of the good things about markets and will offer crafts and local produce, accompanied by local restaurants providing tasters as well as entertainment and activities for children.

Entertainment will be provided by Peak Performance and Directions Theatre Arts with music from ThunderRoadz and Jumpin’

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“Chesterfield is known far and wide for its traditional, open-air market and this new, regular event celebrates our market, its traders and produce.

“I’d encourage anyone to come along, bag a few bargains and, more importantly, enjoy the fantastic atmosphere on offer.”

Stalls at the event are available at £10 each. To book click here.

Chesterfield’s general market takes place each Monday, Friday and Saturday with a flea market each Thursday.

There is a farmers’ market held on the second Thursday each month and the artisan market, held in association with The Market Co. on the last Sunday of each month in New Square.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Spectacular start to 2017 for flagship development Markham Vale

10th May 2017

Markham Vale has seen a spectacular start to 2017. Since January’s opening of the new spine road on Markham Vale North, Henry Boot Developments and their development partner Derbyshire County Council have completed, commenced construction and secured offers for 850,000 sq ft of industrial space at the flagship development.

A 212,800 sq ft unit was completed for Ferdinand Bilstein UK in January. Construction of a 479,285 sq ft distribution centre for Great Bear Distribution and another warehouse of 97,000 sq ft began in February. To round the first quarter off, a deal for a 68,000 sq ft building was secured in March.

Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s high specification unit will become operational later this year. It is bespoke to the specific operational requirements of the company and was delivered on time and in budget by Henry Boot Developments. The new facility will generate 150 jobs initially with planned expansion creating a further 250.

The new building for Great Bear Distribution will be their second at Markham Vale, bringing their occupation to 1,000,000 sq ft of space. Following the completion of the company’s first unit at Markham Vale East during July 2016, their second unit at Markham Vale North will be completed in October 2017. Great Bear Distribution will create a total of 800 jobs through their facilities on the site.

Vivienne Clements, Director at Henry Boot Developments, commented on the success in Q1, stating the occupation of over 850,000 sqft shortly after the access road completed shows monumental confidence in the market and within the flagship logistics development.

Vivienne said:-

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. The completion of Ferdinand Bilstein UK’s bespoke facility and Great Bear’s second unit commencing, along with two further units on Markham Vale North, shows high levels of demand in the market. I am pleased to reiterate that we are able to provide the locational benefits, land opportunities and quick delivery times at Markham Vale.”

“We still have space remaining at Markham Vale, ranging from 5,000 sq ft – 300,000 sq ft units for various requirements including ancillary/leisure, distribution, logistics, industrial, warehousing and office.”

Peter Storey, Derbyshire County Council’s Head of Markham Vale, said:-

“This year has got off to a fantastic start and we’re pleased to welcome even more businesses to Markham with the opening of a new link road to the M1 motorway from the north side of the site.

“Two of the plots have already been snapped up by Great Bear Distribution and Ferdinand Bilstein UK which are both set to create up to 400 new jobs each over the next few years.

“We will be working with the companies over the coming months to provide support and identify resources to help them meet their recruitment needs and that local communities access these new job opportunities.

Mr Storey added:-

“We still have development opportunities available across the site so if you’re a business looking to relocate or expand please get in touch.”

Markham Vale is a joint venture between Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council and has 26 acres of land on Markham Vale North, for units ranging from 50,000 sq ft – 300,000 sq ft with design & build options to suit specific requirements. A further 12 acres are available on Markham Vale West.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development