About Chesterfield

Exciting Children’s Festival announced for Chesterfield this Summer

A new Children’s Festival is coming to Chesterfield this Summer, providing families with a free weekend of fun and entertainment.

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will include music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops. It is being organised by Junction Arts, an award-winning arts charity based in the town.

Taking place in Queen’s Park on the 29th and 30th July, the event is set to celebrate the joy of childhood, imagination and play – promising to bring colour and excitement to Chesterfield during the summer holidays.

The two-day event will focus on arts and culture, with a number of acts and activities taking place over the weekend.  Entertainment announced so far includes a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, a circus, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face-painting and a brass band that plays everyone’s favourite Disney tunes!

Music and live theatre will take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend, the full line-up will be announced in June.

Junction Arts will also commission a new artwork on the themes of childhood, play and games to celebrate the launch of the festival. Three local primary schools in Chesterfield and surrounding areas will work with the artist during several engagement sessions in the spring.

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, a weekend that’s all about fun with live performances and lots of opportunities to get creative. We have secured lots of high-quality acts already, but we’ll be announcing more very soon!

“Everyone is welcome, there’s no need to register or buy a ticket, families can simply turn up, get involved in the workshops or just enjoy the entertainment on offer. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Junction Arts hope that this will become a much-loved annual event for the town, inspiring children and young people for generations to come.

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July, from 10am-4pm daily.

For more information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartsuk

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

queens park

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£1 million boutique apartment hotel boost for Chesterfield town centre

Empty Grade II listed office and shop units in Chesterfield town centre could be transformed into a nine-apartment boutique hotel through a £1.02 million investment by Voeberg Hospitality.

The Sheffield-based company has submitted a change of use planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council to convert two former offices at 39 and 39A Holywell Street, and the neighbouring former hairdressers at 41 Holywell Street into apartments for holiday lets and use by business travellers.

The Grade II listed Georgian buildings – opposite the Holywell Cross car park and Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – would be sensitively converted into one two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments for use as short-stay accommodation and be called Holywell Hotel.

Emily Smith, Director of Voeberg Hospitality, said: “The Holywell Hotel development offers an opportunity to bring a high-quality boutique apartment hotel to an area of Chesterfield town centre that needs investment to bring historic empty buildings back into everyday use.

“The location of the Northern Gateway, with its good links to Chesterfield railway station, offers the opportunity to attract visitors and business travellers wanting to visit the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield, as well as the Peak District National Park and South Yorkshire.

“While Chesterfield has existing hotels and B&Bs we believe there is an unmet need in the local market for a boutique apartment hotel of this type. We intend to work with other local businesses to create cross-promotional opportunities for the benefit of our guests.”

The plans submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council seek permission to make some minor structural alterations while predominantly keeping the overall layout of the three buildings. There will be considerable investment to repair the buildings, including restoring the sash windows, renovating the doors and conserving all the listed features.

Working alongside Covest Architecture and Planning and Design Group, each property would be converted to provide three self-serviced apartments, with a bedroom, kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities.

There will be access to an outdoor amenity space, cycle storage and laundry facilities.

Instead of having a traditional reception desk the properties will operate as a ‘smart hotel’ with self-check-ins, keyless entry and a digital portal which will provide guests with relevant information about their stay.

Emily added: “My husband, Ryan, and I began investing in property in Scotland five years ago. Last year, we took the decision to move our family and business to this area and have continued to invest and develop residential properties in Chesterfield.

“We chose to invest in Chesterfield because it is a growing and forward-looking place, while also being a historic market town. The people of Chesterfield have a very open and welcoming approach and seem keen to assist businesses that support the sustainability of the town centre.

“We look forward to making a contribution to that growth by bringing another part of the town centre back into active use through the development of Holywell Hotel.”

Further information about the Holywell Hotel refurbishment project can be seen at www.holywellhotel.com

Emily and Ryan holywell hotel

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

University of Derby collaborates with Chesterfield charity to deliver mental health training

A series of bitesize training sessions on supporting positive mental health and well-being in the workplace are set to be held for organisations in Chesterfield.

Kate Wood, Project Manager of the Mental Health & Productivity Pilot at the University of Derby, has joined Derbyshire Voluntary Action this month to deliver the sessions.

Hosted by the Community Chesterfield Project, Kate delivers a series of online, 45-minute ‘Training & Tea’ sessions that explore how organisations can create an environment that encourages positive mental health, enables supportive conversations, and helps prevent people from experiencing mental ill health and to better manage mental health challenges.

Kate said: “Smart employers know that organisations are only as strong as their people – they depend on having a healthy and productive workforce…and good mental health underpins this.

“By positively managing and supporting employees’ mental well-being, employers can ensure that staff perform to their potential – and this allows the business to achieve its peak performance.”

Alongside delivering training, Kate’s work covers some exciting projects at the University of Derby. She currently leads the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot (MHPP) which aims to reduce absence, presenteeism, and stigma associated with mental health in the workplace.

Working closely with a range of businesses and organisations, Kate supports them in rolling out key mental health initiatives, breaking down barriers to accessing support, and helping individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues, to remain in employment.

The University of Derby and Kate’s team are launching an exciting new initiative on 26th April 2023 called ‘The Work Health Hub’- a new online membership platform, dedicated to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The hub pulls all the latest research, resources, tools, and experts together in one place, to ensure positive mental health and well-being is the golden thread that runs through your organisation.

Kate’s series will continue over the next month and is followed by further sessions supported by the University of Derby the DVA team, and other guests covering how to make your organisation more successful, digital marketing, leadership, personal & professional development, and many more.

The University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Tea and training

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SDL Minorfern celebrates 45 successful years

North Derbyshire based motor factors, SDL Minorfern has recently celebrated 45 years of successful trading and growth.

The business started in 1978 with only one small building in Clay Cross. Now, SDL Minorfern has grown organically into 12 branches from Leeds down to Derby.

While the firm is still headquartered in Clay Cross on Furnace Hill Road, it also has a branch in Chesterfield, based on the Foxwood Road trading estate in Sheepbridge.

Julie Salter, Human Resources Director at SDL Minorfern commented: “45 years is a massive achievement for any business, but given the way things have been over the last few years we are even more grateful to be celebrating this milestone.

“We are proud to still be based where it all started here in North Derbyshire, and it is even more special to be part of the community and creating employment for local people.

“We celebrated with all our people on the 18th of April, we had a cake for every branch, got everyone a special t-shirt and a small gift, and we all just took some time to celebrate what a great business we are. We are also having a special trade night on the 25th of May, an opportunity to spend some time with our fantastic customers and suppliers.

“We are very proud to be a Derbyshire based company, and wherever we can we want to be able to further support the local economy going forward.”

North Derbyshire is cost-effective, well located close to the M1 motorway, and full of potential with businesses from world-leading manufacturers to multinational communication companies.

Find out more about the great opportunities to locate your business in the area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

SDL Minorfern supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

SDL Minorfern 45th anniversary

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Resilient businesses to be celebrated at this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards

The resilience of the East Midlands business community during a tough trading environment will be celebrated at a trio of upcoming awards ceremonies later this year – and firms are invited to put themselves forward for recognition.

Entries are now open for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023, which includes three gala dinner celebrations in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

Businesses, charities and individuals from each county will be recognised across 14 categories, ranging from Outstanding Growth and Excellence in International Trade through to Environmental Impact and an Education and Business Partnership Award.

Headline partner Mazars will also select a Business of the Year winner for each county.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “With the cost-of-doing-business crisis following hot on the heels of the pandemic and Brexit, the past few years have been as tough a trading environment as many of us can recall.

“Despite this, we’ve seen tremendous resilience on display among our region’s business community, which has found new ways to grow, innovate and collaborate.

“We are once again hugely excited about celebrating these achievements in our Business Awards, which are always one of the most highly-anticipated events in the Chamber calendar – thanks to the sponsors that help to make it happen.”

The deadline for the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023 is Monday 17 July.

Finalists will be announced at a president’s summer celebration on Thursday 24 August and they will then have a chance to state their case at virtual judging panels taking place on the week commencing 11 September.

A gala dinner to celebrate the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards will take place on Friday, 17th November 2023.

To enter the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023 or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/services/business-awards

East Midlands Chamber Business Awards 2023 categories

  • Business Improvement through Technology
  • Community Impact Award
  • Outstanding Growth Award
  • Environmental Impact Award
  • Commitment to People Development Award
  • Apprentice of the Year
  • Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Education and Business Partnership Award
  • Excellence in Customer Service
  • Excellence in International Trade
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Excellence in Innovation
  • Excellence in Collaboration
  • Business of the Year

Derbyshire Business Awards winners

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Construction begins on speculative new business park in Clay Cross

Construction is now underway on a multi-million pound scheme to unlock land for employment in Clay Cross near Chesterfield.

Roe Developments is set to transform the second phase of Wingfield View Business Park, which will see the creation of around 65,000 sq ft across 16 high specification industrial / logistics units, offering units from 2,000 to 12,000 sq ft.

The estate will offer high quality employment and business premises, available for occupation from Q3 2023. Interest has been strong to date, with several units now under offer.

Harry Orwin-Allen, Senior Surveyor at Knight Frank in Sheffield, which is marketing the park with FHP Property Consultants, said: “Our client Roe Developments has already proved the demand for high quality, new build industrial and warehouse opportunities in this area, with Phase One a single industrial terrace having been successfully delivered and either sold or let prior to construction having completed.

“The park offers competitive lease terms and freehold sale values, with units being built to a specification to meet modern occupiers’ requirements and to provide the highest standard of industrial and warehousing space available in the area.”

Key features of the units will include full height roller shutter access, 6-8m eaves height; 3 phase power; glazed reception entrance way with personnel door and ample yard and car parking.

Wingfield View Business Park is located directly off the A6175 along Market Street on the corner of Coney Green Business Centre. The property has easy access onto the A61 and is also 10 minutes from Junction 29 of the M1 Motorway.

Wingfield View follows the successful development of the Railway View Business Park in Clay Cross by Roe Developments which is now 100 per cent let.

There are currently several regeneration schemes and developments taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. To find out more about the latest on some of the major projects across the area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Wingfield View Apr 23

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Triple success for Superior Wellness at What Spa? Best Buy Awards

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness has taken home three awards in the prestigious What Spa? Best Buy Awards 2023.

The Best Buy Awards are published in the 2023/24 edition of What Spa? magazine. The WhatSpa? magazine is one of the UK’s leading consumer hot tub buyer’s guide and has advised and informed thousands of hot tub buyers across the UK for over 10 years.

Three products produced by the Chesterfield-based firm, the Platinum Spas Palma, the AquaSolus Derwent and the Thermal Spas Hydro were all successful in obtaining the consumer hot tub award.

  • The Platinum Spas Palma is a family size hot tub in the brand new improved deluxe range.  It is designed for six people with one lounger and five seats.  It includes 87 powerful jets and LED lights. With a brand-new look and feel for 2023 the Deluxe range now has a more aesthetically pleasing design with the curvature of the acrylic.
  • The luxurious AquaSolus Derwent is the ultimate hot tub with one lounger and four seats.  Designed with hydrotherapy at the forefront, the Derwent has 66 jets, as well as an LED waterfall and LED fountain making it the perfect hot tub if you are looking to sit back and relax. The Derwent hot tub has an integrated WIFI, Gecko In.stream2 Bluetooth music system and is Wi-Fi compatible making it an excellent choice for relaxing or entertaining friends.
  • The Thermals Spas Hydro hot tub comes with one lounger and four seats which is the perfect hot tub for family entertainment or if you simply want to relax.  It also includes the energy efficient R10 insulation to keep your running costs lower.

Graham Message, Business Development Manager said “I am delighted that we have been awarded three Best Buy Awards once again. The What Spa? Magazine and website are a very important tool for the end customer to use when finding their perfect hot tub.  It is also great for our partner network to proudly say they are selling an award-winning hot tub.”

The Best Buy Awards features the very best hot tubs to buyThe Awards acknowledge the hot tub models that excel across a range of criteria, including design, aesthetics, comfort, hydrotherapy and value-for-money.

Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

superior wellness exterior

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Local events and initiatives launched to benefit Chesterfield community

A host of local events and new initiatives have been announced by various organisations across Chesterfield, further strengthening the local community.

Recent initiatives launched include new networking events for businesses, a charity walk at Chatsworth, the return of the prestigious ‘In Bloom’ competition and a support group set up by Chesterfield FC for former footballers affected by dementia.

Find out more about the latest community news from across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire below.


Chesterfield In Bloom competitions now open

Chesterfield in Bloom

Green-fingered residents are being encouraged to show off their talents in this year’s Chesterfield In Bloom competitions.

With more than six categories there is the opportunity for everyone to get involved no matter how big or small their outside space is.

Chris Turner, Chair of the Chesterfield in Bloom committee, said: “Last year not only did we win on a regional level, but we also received lots of fantastic entries for our Chesterfield In Bloom competitions from local gardeners. The standard was exceptional and I can’t wait to see the entries for this year.

“We’re excited to see all types of garden from the largest allotments through to container displays. Please do get your entries in as soon as possible and I wish everyone the best of luck in this years competition.

People have until Friday 16 June to submit their entries or to nominate their neighbours in the following categories:

• Best Front Garden
• Best Back Garden up to 80m2
• Best Back Garden larger than 80m2
• Best Container Garden
• Best Blooming Pub/Restaurant
• Best Allotment (with subcategories based on size)

There is also an exclusive competition for council tenants, and entries are invited for Best Garden (either front or back) and Best Containers.

Residents can only enter two categories but everyone who takes part is automatically entered for the best overall garden judging.

The ever-popular schools’ competition makes a return this year too.

After the town’s success last year, the council will also be entering East Midlands In Bloom again and winners of the above competitions may also be included in the judging later this year.

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


CMP Legal brings ‘Network King’ event to Chesterfield 

Network King Image

CMP Legal, a leading niche commercial law firm that specialises in corporate, commercial, dispute resolution and employment law is bringing ‘Network King’ to Chesterfield to support local businesses in the professional community.

The Chesterfield based law firm that delivers expert services to clients in Derbyshire, Sheffield and across the UK has arranged for Network King to host a networking event at The Batch House in Chesterfield on Thursday 11th May 2023. This event is expected to attract over 100 local delegates from the professional community, including Banks, Finance Providers, Accountancy Firms, Law Firms, Asset Based Lenders and Insolvency Firms.

The event will be sponsored by Chesterfield based CMP Legal and Leonard Curtis. Network King aims to provide an alternative to traditional networking events, by putting the fun back into networking.

Anna Cattee, Co-Founder of CMP Legal says: “It’s been great to bring Network King across the county border into Chesterfield and be part of providing a new networking event for the local, professional community. When we set up CMP Legal, we wanted to shake up the local legal sector and assist businesses across the area, so to have been part of creating a new, popular event, which allows us to network with each other is hugely beneficial for the professional community.”

Richard Pinder, Director of Leonard Curtis and Co-Founder of Network King says: “Network King was set-up with a view to providing networking events specifically for the professional sector.  Karl Hodson (co-founder) and I had attended enough networking events to know what good looked like and we wanted to translate that in to fantastic events across the Yorkshire region and further afield.  Leonard Curtis has helped the organisation grow by supporting events in areas where they have a strong presence and will continue to do so as the Network King events attract the right calibre of people to strengthen our brand.”


Spireites in Mind launched

Spireites-in-Mind

Chesterfield FC Community Trust has launched Spireites in Mind – a support group for former players affected by dementia, together with their families.

Fronted by legendary former Spireite Sean O’Neill, the event saw ex-England internationals Tony Currie and Dave Watson join a host of ex-Chesterfield players at the event, including Jim Brown, Dave Pugh, Bill Dearden and Colin Prophett.

Jenny Moss, the wife of Spireites legend Ernie Moss, also attended the lunchtime meeting held in the SBK Spires Restaurant.

ITV Calendar were in attendance and conducted interviews for a feature which was broadcast.


Chatsworth to host Pink Ribbon Walk

Chatsworth House

On the 8th July, Breast Cancer Now’s Pink Ribbon Walk is returning to the beauty hotspot of Chatsworth House. The charity is calling on outdoor lovers to step forward for people affected by breast cancer at the 10 or 20-mile walks.

The Pink Ribbon Walk events are one of the Breast Cancer Now’s biggest and best-loved fundraising events – having raised more than £14.5 million for world class breast cancer research and support since its first walkers crossed the finish line in 2005.

Claire Pulford, Associate Director, Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s fabulous to once again be inviting everyone to put their best foot forward and get sponsored to join us for one of our Pink Ribbon Walks at Chatsworth.

“Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words “you have breast cancer”. Money raised from Pink Ribbon Walk events will help us to provide support for today and hope for the future for people affected by breast cancer.

Walkers will be supported all the way with a clearly marked route, expert guides and regular rest stops with snacks – allowing those taking part to soak up the spectacular scenery and focus on reaching that finish line.


Chesterfield Borough Council, CMP Legal, Chatsworth House and Chesterfield FC support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New venue to boost the popular food & drink scene in Brampton

A new bar has opened on Chatsworth Road in Brampton, adding to the popular evening offer in the area.

The Brampton Social Club, formerly known as The Alma, is expected to provide guests with a great range of beers, a delicious wine list and a range of classic and interesting cocktails.

The bar will have rotating taps which will offer new lines on a regular basis, including guest beers from local producers such as the popular Brampton Brewery.

Sporting action will also be shown on screens in the venue, alongside an eclectic mix of music. Customers will also be able to relax and enjoy the sunshine in the beer garden, which bar owner Santiago Perez is hoping to extend in the near future.

brampton social club

Speaking on where the inspiration came from for the Brampton Social Club, Santiago explained: “I own a late-night venue in Chesterfield, Apartment. I love hospitality and giving people a great place to go and experience.

Chatsworth Road is a vibrant area where I have been looking for some time. The opportunity came up with the Alma, the location was right but needed a bit of focus and a new look. We wanted to keep the community feel and somewhere for people to go meet friends and new people with a nice feel. The design by Oli Perez, is quite unique but delivers the social environment we want to create.”

Brampton and Chatsworth Road is already proving a popular area for Chesterfield’s food and drink scene, with a number of unique and independent bars and restaurants already established there.

Santiago commented: “Chatsworth Road is the happening place, with good weeknights and vibrant weekends. There are great venues in the area, such as Deja Vu, Junction, Crafty Dog, and the Brampton Brewery pubs to name a few, giving a great choice of a night out for locals and visitors. We want to be part of creating Brampton as the place to go, so we all benefit.”

Find out more about The Brampton Social Club on Facebook.

brampton social club

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Exploring careers in the creative and digital industry

Wondering what a career in creative and digital involves? As a society, we are becoming more and more reliant on technology. Especially businesses, which need creative and digital talent to help push products and services to market.

Chesterfield needs more skilled people in these sectors to achieve its ambitions. That’s because the town is working to complete £2b of regeneration.

As more businesses invest here, Chesterfield is becoming a great place of innovation again. It follows on from our long history of ‘firsts’. From the first commercially produced disposable nappy. To the first Derbyshire town to embrace electric street lighting.

Chesterfield was also the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town. Keep reading to find out from current and past apprentices why they chose an exciting career in creative and digital.

Meet local creative and digital apprentices

Creative and digital overlaps with many sectors. It allows you to choose your role within an area that interests you most. Whether you want to engineer technology, create social media content or design architectural visualisation, you can do it all here in Chesterfield!

Dylan Mann is a Level 3 Information Communications Technician at Central Technology. The IT company offers clients tailored IT Support, Cloud, Cyber Security and Telecom Solutions.

Ellie Eaton is a Level 3 Content Creator at Derbyshire Constabulary, training with Chesterfield College. The team at Derbyshire Constabulary works across many departments to protect the people of Derbyshire.

Alicia Bottomley is a Creative Visualiser at Oasis Studio. Alicia originally started her career as an apprentice. Oasis Studio is an award-winning digital media studio based in Chesterfield. The team offers a broad suite of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, CGI and animation services.

Jake Taylor is a Level 3 Digital Support Technician at Addooco IT. Addooco is an innovative and specialist provider of Managed IT, Cloud, Communications and Cyber Security solutions.

Why did you choose a career in the creative and digital industry?

Dylan - Central Technology 873x466

Dylan, Level 3 apprentice at Central Technology

Dylan: “I’d always found fiddling with electronics and technology appealing. From a fairly young age I’d been inside computers and laptops trying to fix them and it appealed to me. In secondary school I had an IT teacher who made a conscious effort to try and make IT more fun for everyone and the way he did this persuaded me, even more, to take a GCSE in IT. From then on, everything just fell into place, and I’ve never looked back.”

Ellie: “I already completed an apprenticeship in business administration and developed an interest in the engagement and multi-media team. I love seeing your initial concept, through to stakeholders’ reactions to the final content piece. It is a rewarding industry to work in.”

Jake: “I became an apprentice to move into an ever-growing industry, and to earn and learn on the job. It gave me hands-on experience with a technology company and hopefully kickstart a career in something I’m passionate about.”

Alicia: “I enjoy exploring new creative adventures, and as creativity & tech were quickly evolving side by side, I wanted to be a part of it.”

What do you enjoy about your role?

Alicia - Oasis Studio

Alicia, Creative Visualiser at Oasis Studio

Alicia: “I love working at Oasis Studio because I feel like I can stand out as an individual, whilst still counting on my amazing team to back me up when I need it. It’s amazing to work for a company that recognises and encourages my creativity. I feel like a valued part of the team here.”

Ellie: “I enjoy working closely with colleagues from creative backgrounds.  They encourage me to expand on my ideas and allow opportunities for me to develop my production skills.

I am currently working on a project to improve our use of Instagram, which involves me carrying out research into competitors, pitching ideas to colleagues and trialling different content formats. Using our Instagram more effectively will help us to communicate with a younger age demographic. That has been an ongoing organisational problem for many years.”

Dylan: “ There are lots to like about my role. Every day is different and I learn something new. IT is like learning to drive. Once you pass your test you only then begin to learn to drive. You can look at models and theoretical scenarios. But only once they’re occurring in front of your eyes – then you learn how to deal with them.”

Jake: “With the digital sector expanding and developing at the rate it is, it means there’s always something new to learn and get stuck into. I have worked on the Northern Gateway Centre, and it was rewarding seeing the network built from the ground up.”

Why choose Chesterfield for your creative and digital career?

Spire Radio and GBS Apprenticeships

Coral Guard and David Freeman at Spire Radio

1) Strong creative and digital companies choose Chesterfield as a base for both their business and families. That’s because the town is uniquely positioned; close to the Peak District and brilliantly connected with easy access to major cities by road and direct rail. So, you will find an array of career opportunities in the industry here. Find out more about the creative and digital businesses in Chesterfield…

2) An apprenticeship is a fantastic career route that allows you to develop skills and experience to progress your career. Chesterfield has a range of apprenticeship providers. They can guide you to find an apprenticeship with a local employer and support your apprenticeship training.

3)  Chesterfield’s businesses are keen to support future talent in the creative and digital industries. Spire Radio has created partnerships with local businesses to offer opportunities for individuals to develop skills and gain experience. David Freeman, Presenter at Spire Radio, said:

“We love inviting local students into our studios as part of our work experience program. Working with Chesterfield College and GBS Apprenticeships, we’ve developed an educational program to help students understand the radio and media industry. Including activities on and off-air, encompassing all aspects of our station from broadcasting to website content, social media to production.”

Coral Guard, Brand Development Manager at GBS Apprenticeships, added:

“I had a great time on Spire Radio, David gave me an opportunity to give adult learners a voice in the apprenticeship space and get the word out about how easy and accessible apprenticeships can be for everyone. I’m looking forward to the future shows we are planning together and continue to promote our Apprentice Town!”

Have you been inspired to learn more?

The creative and digital sector is extremely diverse, covering all kinds of careers in which people make things using their imagination.

Browse apprenticeship vacancies here…

Get guidance on becoming an apprentice here… 

Discover more about the creative and digital industries…

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Derbyshire residents to benefit from discounted bus travel across the county

A new ticket scheme is set to offer unlimited bus travel across Derbyshire from £6 a day.

Available from 24 April 2023, the new ‘Derbyshire Wayfarer’ tickets are part of a range of improvements for bus travel in the county, funded by the Government. All bus operators in Derbyshire are offering the new tickets.

Derbyshire County council has been awarded £47 million from the Government to improve bus services in Derbyshire, after submitting a Bus Service Improvement Plan. This amount was one of the largest awarded in the country. The new Wayfarer tickets are being funded from this money.

Day tickets can be bought on all buses, or can be bought online and loaded onto special Wayfarer smartcards. Several options are available, including weekly and group tickets. Wayfarer cards will also be available in libraries and tourist information centres.Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said: “These new tickets are great news for everyone who currently uses the bus. We hope they will tempt more people to give the bus a go.

“For a small sum of money you can travel all across the county, making it cheaper and easier to get to work, to visit some of our wonderful tourist attractions or perhaps pop to see friends and family.”

“This new discounted travel scheme is one of a large number of improvements that we will be making to bus travel in Derbyshire and we are grateful for the financial support from the Government.”

Roads minister Richard Holden said: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided Derbyshire County Council with £47 million to boost its bus services.

“Supporting all bus operators in Derbyshire with providing unlimited bus travel for as little as £6 is great for local residents, who will now benefit and be able to make the most of the fantastic work, business and leisure opportunities Derbyshire has to offer.”

The Wayfarer tickets available are:

  • one day for an adult – £8
  • one day for a young person aged up to 16 – £6
  • one day for a group of up to 2 adults and 3 children – £15.50
  • seven days for an adult – £33
  • seven days for a young person aged up to 16 – £24.60

Wayfarer smartcards can be bought online at sytravelmaster.com. These prices are set for the next 6 months as an introductory offer.

The current Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket will become the Derbyshire Wayfarer Bus and Train ticket.

 

bus chesterfield

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