About Chesterfield

Saltergate Artwork Unveiled

A piece of public artwork recognising Saltergate’s football heritage has been unveiled by Chesterfield Borough Council next to Barratt Homes’ new housing development.

Designed in consultation with Chesterfield FC supporters, the commemorative piece celebrates the football ground which occupied the site for almost 140 years – featuring the inscription ‘Saltergate 1871 – 2010’ as well as Chesterfield FC supporters celebrating a goal.

Known as ‘The Spirit of Saltergate,” the metal sculpture was designed by local artist Melanie Jackson, who also worked on ‘Growth,’ which is now on display at Horns Bridge Roundabout. Its stone base was supplied by locally-based Realstone Ltd in Wingerworth.

A series of 11 bronze plaques have also been produced with images associated with Chesterfield FC.  Each has a QR code allowing people to scan them and watch short videos about the history of the club on their smartphones, with content having been supplied by Chesterfield FC Community Trust from its archives.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Planning said:

“Like many other Chesterfield FC supporters, I have many happy memories of matches at Saltergate and so it is good that this has been reflected in this artwork by Melanie Jackson and the plaques with details of the club’s history.

“I’m pleased current supporters were involved in developing the design for the artwork, which will allow future generations to see where Saltergate football ground stood.”

Peter Whiteley Director at Chesterfield FC Community Trust added: “It was a great idea to include the fans when thinking about commemorating the Club’s former home. I am proud of what the final artwork represents.

“It is also very exciting that there is a multimedia aspect to the piece and it can be a focus for the ongoing heritage work undertaken by the Community Trust.”

The Saltergate artwork is the second in a series of public art funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Barratt Homes following the Growth sculpture at Hornsbridge Island, also designed by Melanie Jackson.

The scheme also saw improvements made to the approach to Chesterfield Railway Station with funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Saltergate artwork launch group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

Job Figures Continue to Improve

Job figures in the East Midlands are at their highest level in almost eight years, according to figures released today.

The Office for National Statistics issued its latest monthly regional employment bulletin this morning, which showed that the total number of people (aged 16-64) in employment in the region increased by 1,500 to 2,142,369 in the three months to January, meaning there were 51,749 more people in work than in the same period last year.

There were 117,000 people unemployed in the region in the three months to January 15. The last time the figure was this low was in April 2007.

The regional unemployment rate is now 5.2%, compared to the national rate of 5.7%.

In Chesterfield the number of people claiming out of work benefit stood at 1,437 in February, which is 43 lower than the figure announced in January.

East Midlands Chamber’s Head of Information and Representation, Chris Hobson, said: “This was another extremely positive set of employment figures, with the number of JSA claimants across the region falling significantly over the year, the number of people in work increasing and the unemployment rate in the East Midlands now well below the national average.

“Over the course of this Parliament, the unemployment rate in the East Midlands has fallen by 2.2% and this has largely been driven by the efforts of local businesses in creating the jobs and generating the growth needed to secure and sustain the economic recovery.

“With the General Election in the not-so-distant future and the inevitable uncertainties that will bring, business will be hoping the Chancellor keeps a steady hand on the tiller with his Budget announcement, rather than make any politically-motivated announcements which risk unpicking the strong progress the economy has made over the past two years.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

New Shopping and Leisure Development Proposed for Chesterfield

Preliminary plans have been revealed for a new shopping and leisure development to be built in Chesterfield.

If given the go ahead, residents and visitors could soon see The Trumpter on Harehill Road in Grangewood transformed into a new pub or café, a convenience store and 3-4 independent retail units, which may include a hairdresser, launderette and takeaway.

It’s hoped the scheme would create 30 jobs for the town.

A consultation has already taken place with local residents and groups in Grangewood and designs are now being finalised ready to submit a planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council over the next few weeks.

Commenting on the project, Martin Rix, of MAD architects LLP, said:-

“”We are trying to create a new retail centre for the community, providing facilities and services which are much needed in the area, and hopefully this development can act as a catalyst for further improvements locally.”

“Over the last couple of months we have been canvassing opinions from local residents & groups to ensure we are providing the right mix of shops and services on the site to ensure long term viability.”

Developer, Terry Caton added:-

“Caton Enterprises Ltd is a local business operating in Chesterfield for some 23 years. As such we didn’t just want to take away the facilities from the community. We wanted to look at this site in a different way.””

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped the centre would open to the public next year.

Further details about the proposed development, including a feedback questionnaire can be found on the architect’s website at www.madarchitects.co.uk and enquiries about the project can be made to the developer via email at development@thetrumpeter.co.uk.

(Artist’s impression courtesy of MAD Architects.)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Derbyshire Pony Trekking Launches New Gallops

A ceremony has been held at Derbyshire Pony Trekking to launch the centre’s new one mile-long Gallops.

Based in Upper Langwith near Chesterfield, the all-weather facility was officially opened by Barlow Hunt Master, Christopher White, who cut the ribbon on horseback, before setting off to give the stretch a try himself, along with hounds in tow.

Owner Jayne Dukelow says the Gallops are already proving popular with visitors:-

“The Gallops are starting to attract an increasing number of customers who struggle to keep their horses fit throughout the wet winters we so often seem to be encountering.  With the surface being made of fine woodchip it is an ideal non-slip surface to ride on, enabling all year round riding.

“There is a niche in the market for riders to be able to bring along their own horses to ride in a safe environment, away from today’s busy traffic. It is also great to be able to let your horse gallop without having to worry if there would be a dog walker or cyclist around the corner which is often encountered on bridleways”.

“Derbyshire Pony Trekking is already bringing tourism into the area from afar and benefiting other small businesses in the local community, and the opening of the Gallops should benefit the area even more.

“We are also looking into the possibility of creating an off-road Farm Ride for the future as an extension to the Gallops which would offer even more facilities for the equestrian enthusiast or professional”.

The new Gallops at Derbyshire Pony Trekking are open 7 days a week and are a full 1 mile circuit with a mixture of straights, corners and hills, perfect for maintaining a horse’s fitness throughout the year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire Begins Negotiations for Devolution Deal

A delegation of local business and authority leaders is heading down to London today to negotiate a ground-breaking devolution deal for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The consortium of representatives will meet with Greg Clark MP, Minister for Cities, to discuss how the area can take control of key economic drivers including jobs, skills and transport.

If accepted, the proposed devolution deal has the potential to create 55,000 new jobs and 77,000 affordable new homes, transform the area’s digital and transport infrastructure and speed up the planning process and make it more flexible.  It could also lead to the formation of a new £1bn regional business investment bank.

The proposed combined authority will be the first two-tier area to get to this position and, if successful, it could be a model for the future for the rest of the UK.

East Midlands Chamber – the Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire – coordinated the response from business to several of the initiatives included in the pitch.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “The proposed Devolution Deal for D2N2 is a bold and ambitious pitch from business and local authority partners in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire which, if accepted by Government, will position this part of the East Midlands as a regional powerhouse capable of competing with the likes of Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds.

“The Chamber has played a role in developing and stating the business case for these proposals and ensuring that any key decisions were taken with the interests of local companies in mind.

“What these proposed measures seek to do is maximise the potential of this area. The East Midlands has got one of the UK’s fastest-growing economies which has largely been driven by the businesses we have here in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“The deal being pitched for will help to harness and accelerate that growth and in turn, deliver the new jobs, wealth and prosperity that the Government is looking for.”

Councillor Jon Collins, leader of Nottingham City Council, on behalf of Nottinghamshire councils said:

“This level of ambition shows that the region is pushing to be seen alongside the likes of Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds as a regional powerhouse.

“It will give greater influence to local people over decisions which have real affect over their lives and prosperity − decisions which are currently taken in London, often by people with little knowledge of the issues facing local residents and businesses.”

Speaking on behalf of all Derbyshire authorities, Councillor Anne Western, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said:

“The Government needs a better way to work with two tiers of local government and this could be that way.

“It is important to stress that this is not about reorganisation of local councils, nor is it about us asking for additional funding. It is about making sure that the money that is raised locally, is used and invested based on local rather than national priorities. We will work collaboratively to ensure that we have the powers that will give the local area real growth with real jobs and real prosperity.”

Devolution deals are being offered by Government to combined authorities, and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are currently seeking to create two new combined authorities covering Derby and Derbyshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire by the end of the year.

Any new devolved powers would not be developed until 2017.

Find out more about the proposed Derby and Derbyshire Combined Authority

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Footballers and Engineers Enjoy Big Apprentice Swap

Apprentices from Chesterfield Football Club (CFC) swapped their football studs for steel-toe caps last week when they switched places with young mechanical engineers from NLT Training Services – a specialist trainer and provider of apprentices in welding, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

As part of The Big Apprentice Swap the CFC apprentices gained hands-on experience in welding, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering at NLT’s workshop. NLT’s apprentices spent the day as footballers, undergoing physical training both in the gym and on the pitch at the Proact stadium.

Chesterfield Football Club Apprentice, Conner White (16), said: “We’re normally training for most of the week so the apprentice swap has been very different from what we’re used to!  “It’s been great to be able to learn life skills – I’ve even learnt how to fix a plug for the first time.”

Peter Zehdee (17) from Canada, Chesterfield Football Club Apprentice, said: “I came over here purely for football but it’s great to be able to take part in something like this to develop our wider life skills and to give us an insight into another career.”

Casey Allen – NLT Case study, said: “Taking part in the Apprentice Swap has been great as it’s been really different from what I normally do which is fixing engines. It’s been really good to take part and learn something new too.”

Jordan Ragen (21), an Maintenance Apprentice at Chesterfield-based engineering company, Brettex, said: “I enjoy what I do on my apprenticeship, which involves engineering sewage equipment. I really like that I get to travel a lot as well as work hard. Taking part in the Apprentice Swap has been a real eye-opener into the world of football for me. I’ve always Press Release been a CFC supporter and I’m a keen football fan in general so I was thrilled to be able to come and participate.”

Andy Sheppard, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services said: “The Apprentice Swap has given a fascinating insight into engineering for the future stars of Chesterfield Football Club, whilst our engineering apprentices experienced a day in the life of a football star. It was a great way to promote apprenticeships in our region.”

The event at NLT Training Services was also attended by Chesterfield’s MP Toby Perkins, and The Mayor Cllr Alexis Diouf who were both eager to learn more about the organisation’s apprenticeship offering.

Alexis Diouf, Mayor of Chesterfield said: “I’m glad that we are recognising apprentices more as a region and as a nation now, rather than simply encouraging the university path.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to gain employment and it’s really encouraging to see organisations like NLT really working with them to make partnerships with local businesses.”

“It’s particularly encouraging for me to see apprenticeships in Chesterfield, especially in manufacturing and engineering as that’s where the town’s heritage lies. NLT’s event has been great for both parties; the engineers and the footballers as it gives them an insight into
another role.”

Toby Perkins, Chesterfield MP said: “Apprenticeships are incredibly important to Chesterfield and to the country, they’re vital to ensure that the next generation of workers have a future.

“Initiatives like the Big Apprentice Swap held by NLT are great to give the town’s youngsters different eye-opening experiences to help them develop and discover what they want to pursue. It’s also great to see a wide range of equipment here at NLT, it shows that they’re really helping to give young people the best chance in gaining employment through the skills they learn here.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards launched – Vote now for your favourite retailer

The town’s popular Retail Awards have returned for the second year running. Shoppers are now being called on to nominate their favourite shops and stores across 14 categories.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the Awards, which are sponsored by Learning Unlimited – part of Chesterfield College Group, recognise the very best retailers in the town.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The success of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards is once again very much in the hands of the general public. They need to nominate in order for retailers to be shortlisted.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. These awards recognise this.”

This year, retailers can support their call for nominations by submitting a short 20 second video explaining why shoppers should nominate their business. Videos should be emailed to info@chesterfield.co.uk and will appear on Destination Chesterfield’s website, Facebook page and Twitter.

Last year more than 1000 nominations were received from shoppers culminating in 11 businesses being named the very best in the town. Pelican Cycles, based on Old Road in Brampton, scooped awards across four categories, including the coveted Retailer of the Year award.

The cycle shop was opened in 2012 by owner and keen cyclist Neil Armitage. The business achieved a six figure turnover in year one with turnover growing by more than 50% in its second year of trading. On winning the awards Neil said: “We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and personal service. We have created a welcoming informal atmosphere in the shop with the use of touches like an espresso machine and screen showing Tour De France highlights. Because of these touches and our approach to customer service we have developed a loyal repeat customer base.”

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College explained: “Part of the Chesterfield College Group, Learning Unlimited is delighted to be sponsoring the Chesterfield Retail Awards this year. As a rapidly-growing apprenticeships and training provider, at the core of what we do is both providing people with the skills necessary to succeed in industry and helping businesses prosper and grow as a result of their workforce.

“We work with many local retailers already and the apprenticeships that we offer in relation to retail are growing increasingly popular, such as customer service and sales apprenticeships so we were delighted to get involved with such a key retail awards ceremony in Chesterfield. We hope that we continue to work successfully with more and more local retailers in regard to their staffing and training needs as we look to help grow this area’s economy, giving the community a real boost.”

Nominations open on Tuesday 17th March and close at Midnight on the 6th April 2015 and postcards and posters are being distributed around the town to encourage people to vote online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Everyone that nominates will be entered into a prize draw to win a three-course meal with wine for two at the Old Post Restaurant, winner of Restaurant of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2014.

Following the nomination process a shortlist of retailers will be selected who will then be mystery shopped and scored to decide the winner in each of the categories.  The winners will be announced at an award ceremony held later this year in June.

The 14 categories open for nominations in the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

  • Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
  • Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
  • Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
  • Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
  • Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
  • Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
  • Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
  • Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor)
  • Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
  • National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
  • Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
  • Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
  • Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

There is also an additional Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber, which will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include E-business works and the Derbyshire Times.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Young Entrepreneurs Invite Chesterfield Businesses to Share in Their Success

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to show their support for local students at the Area Final of the Young Enterprise Company of the Year competition.

Held on 24th March at the Winding Wheel, the event is designed to celebrate the achievements of pupils from eight schools and colleges across North Derbyshire; all of whom have been running their own company with support from local business advisers and teachers.

Finalists will compete for a number of awards during the evening – from Best Trade Stand to Overall Winning Company, as well as the opportunity to represent North Derbyshire at the County Final – taking place at Matlock Town Hall on Monday 27th April.

Given the task of presenting for four minutes on their company achievements and experiences, each team will be assessed by an independent panel of judges including representatives from three local businesses – Central Technology, NLT Training Services, and MSE Hiller.  The range of products and services designed and created by finalists will also be on display.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the event, Steve Taylor, Vice Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board said:-

“Our young people reveal so much potential and capability through the Young Enterprise Company Programme and so it’s fantastic that we are able to recognise this at the annual Area Final.

“We all have a responsibility to support young people in making the transition from school to the workplace and so I hope that lots of local businesses will join us at the Winding Wheel on 24th March.”

The Young Enterprise Area Final begins at 6.30pm on Tuesday 24th March with a complimentary drinks reception and an opportunity to look around the Trade Stands and talk with the competitors about their experience.

To confirm your attendance please email Steve Taylor – Vice Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board at steve@startfp.co.uk.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Have your Say on Plans for New Chesterfield Market Layout

Residents and visitors are being invited to share their views on plans for a new Chesterfield Market layout.

A team from Chesterfield Borough Council will be at Market Place on Saturday 21st March to find out about current shopping habits and opinions of the current market and stalls on offer.

The survey will also be available to fill in online from Thursday 19 March to Friday 3 April

For members of the public
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142625911545

For market traders
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142650862269

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with consultants to address issues previously raised by traders which include:

  • increasing the number of market stalls in a prominent position and look outwards so they can be seen by shoppers;
  • the need for increased power supplies for refrigerators and tills
  • and creating more space for wheelchairs and buggies.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “Although Chesterfield’s markets remain extremely popular, we are aware that there are issues which we need to address to improve the open market and attract new traders to Chesterfield.

“We are keen to seek the views of the people who use the market to help us in bringing forth plans to make improvements. So I’d encourage anyone who would like to take part to come along to the Saturday market on 21 March or fill in the survey online.”

Traders will also be asked for their opinions in a series of focus groups currently being held.

A further round of consultation will be carried out once the options for the new market layout are available. This is likely to be late summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Spireites Raise Funds For Comic Relief

Chesterfield players and supporters have been making their faces funny for money, all in aid of Comic Relief!

Charitable Spireites headed to The HUB at the Proact Stadium to don a squidgy red nose or some funky glasses and have their picture taken by club photographer Tina Jenner.

Tina, who came up with the idea, talked about the fun she’d had during the day, with plenty of Spireites players joining in with the fun.

“The theme this year is to make your face funny for money so I just thought it was the perfect opportunity,” she said. “I saw the theme and I thought it would be good to get the lads involved from the team and then by doing it at The HUB we could get the Community Trust involved as well.

“The funny faces have not been too bad: Tommy Lee, Ritchie Humphreys, Jay O’Shea and Tendayi Darikwa came over and we had some fans in as well, which was really good fun.

“The whole point of Red Nose Day is to be daft and do daft things. I’m not really one for baked beans in a bath so I’m trying to use my skills to help people along the way a little bit.”

The Community Trust’s Rachel Booth took part in the shenanigans and made sure that club mascot Chester the field mouse made his funniest face for the occasion.

She said: “We’ve had Chesterfield FC Community Trust working alongside Tina Jenner Photography and Chesterfield Football Club to do our first ever Red Nose Day extravaganza. It’s been great fun and even Chester joined in!”

Supporters who had their photos taken will receive their photos by email, with the funniest faces joining the first team squad in a special poster to celebrate the day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Cracking Good Fun to Enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter

There’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter and plenty of treats in store as the estate opens up for its new season – complete with spring flowers and decorations.

As well as the hugely popular Easter Egg hunts in the Farmyard, catering for up to 1,000 egg hunters a day, children will also be able to climb aboard the magical Easter Eggspress setting off several times a day.

Visitors to the house and garden will also be able to join the in the fun spotting decorated eggs hidden inside to tie in with new items and old favourites while a dozen golden eggs hidden around the garden will draw attention to the spring highlights. Both house & garden egg hunt trails are free upon admission.

Free face painting will be on offer in Flora’s Temple, and there will also be the chance to spot the Easter Bunny who will be hopping by every day of the Easter weekend from 3 – 6 April.

There will be plenty going on over the whole school holiday period (28 March – 12 April), with spring themed craft activities taking place daily in the Oak Barn in the Farmyard and outdoor crafts and spring bulb planting on offer at the newly opened educational centre, The Stickyard.

Chatsworth re-opens after the winter break for the new 2015 season on March 28. For more information on activities, times and prices, visit www.chatsworth.org

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting