Chesterfield Borough Council is giving new market traders the opportunity to take stalls for only £10 as part of the annual Love Your Local Market week.
The offer is open to people who have not previously been market traders to stand at the general market on Friday 15, Saturday 16, Monday 18, Friday 22 or Saturday 23 May.
For more information or to pre-book a stall, call the council’s markets team on 01246 345999
A new bar is set to open next to the Crooked Spire Church in Chesterfield this May.
Named ‘Apartment,’ the forward-thinking venue has a New York city-vibe and will offer quality cocktails, spirits and beers alongside a range of regular and pop-up events – from salsa nights to whisky tasting sessions. It will also be available for private hire.
One of the directors commented:-
“Apartment hopes to contribute something significant to the town centre which will create greater footfall and improve the social experiences that the town has to offer as a whole.
“There will be a strong focus on putting a little extra love and care into what we do, to create a fantastic, unique experience to both locals and visitors.”
Apartment launches to the public on Sunday 24th May with ‘Celebrity Karaoke’. More information on this, other events and employment opportunities can be found by searching on Facebook for ‘Apartment Chesterfield’.
A new free app has been launched to reveal local stories and hidden secrets from across Derbyshire.
Designed to boost tourism locally, the app, named ‘Discover Derbyshire & Peak District,’ is now ready to download after more than 10 years of research and design by Derbyshire-based company Audio Trails Ltd.
It allows visitors to discover 200 ‘hidden gems’ around the county and uses satellite location technology to display places of interest close to where they are standing.
People can unlock hidden walking trails and listen to local residents’ personal stories that bring the past to life. Using archive photography, the app also allows users to fade old images into their device’s camera view and see how today’s scene has changed compared with the past.
Ann Wright, Head of Arts at Derbyshire County Council said:-
“We want people to discover things they may not know about Derbyshire, such as which local suburb was built by Russian wrestlers, or which town liquorice allsorts were invented in and this app will help them do that.
“It emphasises our county’s attractions in an innovative way which is easy for people to use while out and about using their own phone or tablet.”
Audio Trails Creative Director Dan Boys said:
“We’re really pleased to be part of a project like this that combines history with personal accounts and pictures.
“It’s great working in partnership with the council and staff such as countryside rangers who have shared their in-depth knowledge about places such as Linacre Reservoirs and the former industries along Five Pits Trail.
“The idea of the app is to bring personal stories, archive photography and lesser-known historical information together in one easily accessible package so that people can really discover Derbyshire for themselves.”
Dan is currently in the process of adding information to the app about the Pennine Way to celebrate the famous trail’s 50th anniversary. It was the UK’s first long-distance trail and stretches 256 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders.
More locations, trails and stories will be added to the app throughout 2015 and people are encouraged to share their stories or old photographs.
The ‘Discover Derbyshire & Peak District’ app is currently available to download for iOS devices via the AppStore with plans for an Android version to follow later this year. No mobile reception is needed to use it − once downloaded, all content is stored and can be accessed anywhere.
Find more information at www.discover-derbyshire.com.
Volunteers are wanted to help mark the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Chesterfield next year.
Plans are already underway to stage a large medieval-style event in the town centre on Sunday, 15th May 2016 with plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
Community group, Chesterfield 750 is looking for people with a range of skills to help from fundraisers and researchers to costume designers and musicians and asks anyone who is interested in getting involved to get in touch.
Publicity Officer, Colin Harrison, a member of the Chesterfield 750 group said:-
“In preparation of the anniversary there will be several separate events and projects – the first of which is the building of a cart to be used on the day. There are also proposals to make a series of videos about life as it would have been at the time, a miniature re-enactment of the battle and plans to involve schools – maybe with something like the design of their own banners. We also hope that as many local groups as possible will take part, in whatever capacity they will most enjoy.
“Actual historical details of events around the battle are slightly sketchy, which we will take advantage of to allow a wide interpretation of them. We want this to be a fun event, rather than a strictly educational one, although we hope to provide some interesting information as a by-product of our research.”
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th April from 7.00pm at The Rose and Crown Pub on Old Road in Chesterfield and everyone is welcome. For more information please email info@chesterfield750.co.uk or visit http://www.chesterfield750.co.uk/.
Businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire outperformed their national counterparts in the first three months of the year, according to the results of a new survey.
East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has released the results of its latest Q1 Quarterly Economic Review 2015, which found that business growth remained robust in the early part of the year, giving an increasing number of firms optimism for the year ahead.
The findings were in sharp contrast to the national survey released by the British Chambers of Commerce earlier this month, which saw firms reporting weaker results in most areas – including domestic sales, exports and business investment.
The Chamber tracks business performance across a range of key economic indicators – including sales and orders, staffing levels, price expectations, investment intentions and business confidence – to produce a quarterly ‘State of the Economy Index’.
After falling in two consecutive quarters at the end of 2014, the index increased from a year-ending 377 to 386 in Q1, bolstered by firms’ strengthening confidence in their profits and turnover in 2015, which is resulting in rising staffing levels and investment plans.
In terms of activity, 51% of firms reported an increase in UK sales in Q1, which mirrored the previous quarter, and there was a slight fall in the number of firms reporting a decrease in domestic sales. However, this was offset by a fall (from 33% to 29%) in the number of firms which reported an increase in their export sales in Q1.
Firms’ confidence in both future turnover and profitability increased over the quarter, as 67% (up from 64% in Q4) said they expected their profitability to increase over the next 12 months, while 76% (up from 71%) expected an increase in turnover.
This strengthening confidence has led to business investment plans being revised upwards. Almost four-in-ten businesses said they planned to increase their investment in training and plant/machinery this year, while almost eight-in-ten businesses indicated they will award a general staff pay rise, at or above inflation, in 2015.
Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “Despite the build up to the General Election, it was encouraging to see such a resilient performance from East Midlands businesses in the first three months of the year, with many indicators of business success seeing improvements.
“Over the past year, the Chamber’s message to politicians and decision-makers has been that the East Midlands has moved from being a ‘bellwether’ of the UK economy to a national leader, so it is equally encouraging to see this message borne out in these findings, with the figures in this report exceeding their national equivalents.
“There are a number of factors contributing to this success, including the broad spread of business sectors present across this region and the drive and commitment that exists within East Midlands businesses and their employees.
“These characteristics will continue to stand the region in good stead post-election.
“Regardless of the political make-up of the next Government, if business had one overarching message to give, it would be to focus on delivering long-term policy and avoid the kind of political short-termism that acts only to complicate the planning and running of a successful business.”
Wingerworth Fencing Club is celebrating its fifteenth birthday with two gold medals secured at the British Championships, which were held at EIS in Sheffield last weekend.
In the individual events on Saturday, Hannah Lawrence became British Women’s Champion, a title which she last held in 2008. Hannah won all of her fights on the day and none more convincingly than when beating fellow England and GB team mate Amy Radford, from Malvern Fencing Club 15-6 to take the championship.
The second day of was the team event and the Wingerworth Ladies beat every team in the competition and trounced Truro in the play off final by 45 – 29. The team had been strengthened this year with the addition of Mary Cohen who joined Hannah Lawrence, Jayne Crook and Caitlin Chang.
Wingerworth Fencing Club coach, Tony Klenczar, said:-
“This was a superb weekend for Wingerworth and the promotion of fencing in Derbyshire. All the people in the club who are competing at this level work extremely hard, along with their coaches, to achieve these results.
“We are always keen at the club to encourage new people to take up the sport. We want Derbyshire fencing to be bigger and better than any other club in the country!”
A tantalising new cookbook has been launched by local entrepreneur and Chesterfield’s four star Casa Hotel owner, Steve Perez.
The mi Casa Cook book, follows hot on the heels of Casa Hotel being voted 5th best hotel in the UK, in Trip Advisors 2015 Travellers Choice Awards. It draws on influences from Steve’s Spanish roots, and his passion for high quality local produce. Mi Casa, offers insights into dishes inspired by his Derbyshire upbringing as well as showcasing the skills of the two AA rosette kitchen team and Head Chef Andrew Wilson.
Featuring over 30 dishes ranging from simple Tapas dishes to ‘Something Special’ Cocina restaurant inspired recipes, Mi Casa has been written to suit the skills of the novice and adventurous home cooks alike with easy to follow recipes.
For Steve Perez, this book marks the latest venture into the food, drink and hospitality industry. Speaking of the book launch, he said: “I’m delighted to have a platform to celebrate my love of food in ‘Mi Casa’. Not only is it a great way to recognise some of the fantastic local food produce available in Chesterfield and surrounding areas, it’s also an opportunity to inspire readers to add a taste of Spain to their dishes too.”
“My late Father Santiago, originally from Barcelona, inspired me throughout my career. I grew up in the Derbyshire countryside with him cooking Spanish dishes in the home. When it came to building Casa Hotel, I wanted something which would reflect my Mediterranean roots and the same is true about the Mi Casa cook book.”
Central to Casa Hotel’s achievements are the quality of the ingredients and produce used in its menus. Walton Lodge Farm, which is part of Steve’s Walton Lodge Estate, provides meat and eggs to Casa Hotel. Mi Casa features a behind the scenes look at the workings of the farm and its unique connection to the hotel. It also introduces other local key Derbyshire suppliers, Highfield House Farm and John Hattersley Wines, as well Yorkshire-based Grey’s Fine Foods, which brings the authentic Spanish tastes and ingredients to Casa.
Throughout the last 40 years Steve has successfully carved a career for himself in the hospitality industry. From Steve’s humble beginnings working in the kitchen of his father’s restaurant, moving from managing pubs to developing the hugely successful international drinks business Global Brands.
‘Mi Casa: Spanish-Inspired Recipes from the Heart of Derbyshire’ is available to purchase directly from Casa Hotel or through Amazon and is priced at £14.95.
Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of the leading supplier of centrifuges to the water and food industries, MSE Hiller, is the newest addition to the Destination Chesterfield board.
Ivan replaces James Brand of United Cast Bar as the board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough. James has stepped down from the board due to increasing work commitments however will continue in his role as the chair of the popular Manufacturing Forum.
Ivan and the company have taken an active role in manufacturing initiatives organised by Destination Chesterfield, including last year’s successful Made in Chesterfield Week where schools were invited to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.
Ivan brings more than 35 years’ experience to his board member role. Delighted to join the board, he said: “Destination Chesterfield is a conduit for joining together the many companies and organisations in Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector, be they employers, training providers, or young people still at school and looking for direction. It is by joining these groups together successfully that we can help further improve the manufacturing sector in the town.”
He is particularly passionate about apprenticeships within the sector, explaining: “For me manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure. It is vitally important that we maintain Chesterfield’s manufacturing tradition and capability, and that will be my broad focus in my role on the Destination Chesterfield Board.
“I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships. To this day many of my early apprentices are still working with me after two decades.”
MSE Hiller, which has been based in Chesterfield since 2001, supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK. Currently no other company offers the service and products which they do and, as a result, is very much in demand.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ivan to the board although sad that James Brand has left. We thank him for all he has done and will continue to do as both a Chesterfield Champion and a thriving manufacturing business in the town.
“MSE Hiller is a great example of a local company that is establishing the town as an engineering specialist. Ivan brings much personal experience in the sector as both an employee and an employer and is very clear about how he wants it and Chesterfield to develop. We are all very much looking forward to working with him.”
Ivan Fomin joins the existing members of the Board, which include:
Destination Chesterfield is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield. This approach to promoting the town sees the local business community playing a central role in its success by leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, and businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.
MSE Hiller will be taking part in Made in Chesterfield throughout November 2015. Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.
To find out more about Destination Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk. Or if you are interested in becoming involved in Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk
Up to 400 new jobs are set to be created at a Chesterfield regeneration site with the opening of a new distribution centre at Markham Vale.
Chester-based firm Great Bear Distribution will move into a purpose-built warehouse and offices − Markham’s biggest development to date bringing the largest number of jobs in a single development.
Established in 1994, Great Bear Distribution operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as Sainsbury’s, BMW, and Unilever.
Glenn Lindfield, CEO of Great Bear Distribution said:
“Bringing our business to Markham Vale is a positive step forward for our company.
“The site is exactly what we’ve been looking for with tailor-made facilities in a prime location just off Junction 29A of the M1 motorway, providing easy access to our customers and other bases across the UK.
“We look forward to becoming part of Markham’s growing network of companies.”
Work to build the 479,285 square feet development is expected to start in autumn this year, and reach completion in spring 2016.
The premises are situated next to Markham Vale’s Environment Centre and will be built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments on the site off Junction 29A of the M1 motorway.
Peter Storey, head of Markham Vale said:
“Great Bear Distribution will be a real feather in Markham’s cap bringing 400 jobs which is great news for the Derbyshire economy.
“Markham’s fantastic transport links next to the M1 make the perfect choice for a wide range of businesses and we look forward to welcoming even more companies to the site this year and in the future.”
Existing occupiers at Markham Vale include, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.
Ben Ward at Henry Boot Developments said:
“We are delighted to secure such a ground-breaking deal with Great Bear Distribution.
“This last year has been exceptional for Markham Vale with six major deals and a huge amount of development activity.
“We have worked very closely with Great Bear Distribution in designing this bespoke facility to meet their exact requirements and many of the features are at the forefront of technology.”
The regeneration site is one of the UK’s biggest Enterprise Zone Developments with the final phase, which is a further 100 acres currently being prepared for development using a £14.2m Government grant awarded through the Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone.
Chatsworth is set to launch a major new arts festival this September.
‘Art Out Loud‘ is a three-day event featuring a stellar line up of more than 20 speakers drawn from the literary world, art, tv, museums and journalism.
The festival, which runs from 18th to 20th September, has been inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s passion for the arts.
The Duke said:-
“Over the past few years Chatsworth has developed a fantastic programme of arts-related exhibitions and events, which has been very well received.
“We are delighted that the Chatsworth Festival will be joining this programme in 2015, giving our visitors the opportunity to hear some of the world’s best authors, journalists and artists share their thoughts and experiences.”
‘Art Out Loud’ is the latest addition to a burgeoning arts scene at Chatsworth and the event will run alongside the 10th anniversary of the ‘Beyond Limits’ monumental sculpture exhibition in the garden starting in September.
Speakers include Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry CBE; author and filmmaker Hannah Rothschild; BBC Arts Editor, Will Gompertz; and the Duke of Devonshire who will be talking about the Devonshire Collection, one of Europe’s most significant art collections. A full programme for the festival will be announced in June.
Chesterfield’s game at home to Bristol City on Saturday will be ‘True Blue Day’, with Spireites fans urged to wear blue to show their support for the club.
The aim is to be as many fans as possible wearing blue at the Proact Stadium on Saturday 25th April, whether it be a replica home shirt, t-shirt or scarf.
The dress code in the corporate areas of the stadium will also be relaxed on the day, allowing those in the lounges to wear replica shirts.
Spireites Chief Executive Chris Turner said:-
“We want to generate a party atmosphere to celebrate what has been a fantastic season and it would be fantastic to witness a sea of blue in the stands when the teams run out.
“There is a limited stock of home replica shirts on sale in the Club Superstore and we also have some blue t-shirts and scarves available. The players and management have done superbly well to put us within touching distance of the play-offs so let’s make True Blue Day an unforgettable occasion.”