Business

The ‘Energy for Business’ grant fund re-opens for applications

27th July 2020

Local SME businesses can apply for 40% of project costs from the ‘Energy for Business’ grant fund, an EU funded project delivered by the Energy Innovation and Collaboration team at the University of Nottingham.

Funding can assist projects such as implementing sustainable energy technologies, improving energy efficiency within the business or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Only business located within in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire are eligible for the funding. Please see additional eligibility information below:

The minimum cost of the project must be no less than £2,500
The maximum cost of the project must be no more than £20,000
It is a capital funds grant that is 40% match funded
The monies are awarded once the work/purchase is completed
Recipients will be chosen by an independent panel and their decision will be deemed to be final.

To find out more, or to apply for funding, enquiries can be made by emailing energy@nottingham.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications for the current round is Friday 28th August 2020.

To find out more about the University of Nottingham’s Energy Innovation and Collaboration team and how it supports businesses, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Help for those affected by recent flooding

25th July 2020

More than 450 businesses and households affected by the November 2019 and February 2020 floods are able to get help to pay for flood mitigation measures.

Derbyshire County Council are set to administer a scheme that gives eligible properties a £5,000 grant to put in measures to help stop properties being flooded in the future. These could be flood doors, sealing brick work and external walls, replacing airbricks with flood airbricks, flood barriers and moving electrical sockets up the wall.

£500 of every grant will need to be spent on a specialist survey, which will ensure that the right mitigation measures are recommended and installed.

Around 300 businesses and households were affected by the floods in November 2019, which were in South Derbyshire, Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield and Amber Valley. The February 2020 floods hit 160 properties in Derbyshire Dales, Erewash and South Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council will write to all those eligible for the grant, and claims for those who flooded in November 2019 will need to be submitted by the end of October, with work carried out by February 2021.

The deadlines for applications for those affected by the February 2020 floods and not yet known.

Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer, said:”This money will help businesses and householders put in some simple but effective flood mitigation measures that will help should the floods take place again.”

“The council will administer the scheme, process all applications and sort out a specialist survey, which will make sure that the right measures are recommended for each particular property. Surveyors will also check that the work gets completed to a good standard.”

“We saw a high number of properties flooded in many parts of the county, both in November 2019 and February this year, and I am sure that this money will help should we face similar circumstances again.”

Derbyshire County Council will use the services of specialist surveyors who are already used by the Environment Agency.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

Chesterfield Borough Council adopts ambitious plan to rebuild economy

24th July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild Chesterfield’s economy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan, which was approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 14 July, outlines what the council, with the backing of other partner agencies, will do to support the town’s businesses to bounce back and help restore business and consumer confidence.

The Plan sets outs a comprehensive set of fully funded measures that include delivering a new business start-up support programme, which will encourage entrepreneurs and workers who may have lost their jobs due to covid-19 to bring forward new business ideas. Funding and expert advice will be available as will a premises location service.

The council will also be launching a portfolio of skills delivery initiatives. The initiatives will focus on the skills and training needs of local people, particularly young people, to enhance their prospects of securing the jobs on offer. Chesterfield residents and businesses will be able to access a new virtual skills and careers information hub. Particular attention will also be paid to the establishment of initiatives to reskill and upskill the current workforce.

Innovative promotional campaigns are already being rolled out with Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to shop local and support town centre retailers and market traders. The Plan also includes a series of initiatives aimed at raising the profile of Chesterfield as a visitor destination and hub.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Rebuilding the local economy following the easing of lockdown restrictions is a top priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times.

“We understand this will be a worrying time for business owners of all sizes and it is important that the council and its partners continue to do all we can to ensure that local businesses receive all the help they need in these most challenging of times.

“Whilst there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, the Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.”

The council has to date paid out £25.7 million in small business grants to 2,202 Chesterfield businesses, administered business rates relief to a value of £18 million to 661 businesses and shared a further £1.05 million with 120 businesses via the Local Discretionary Grants Fund scheme.

The council has also provided expert advice and support to over 300 local businesses since mid-March and as a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants, amended rental terms including rent free periods for some and rent deferral arrangements for others.

The work done with retailers, market traders and licensees to safely and successfully re-open Chesterfield town centre has seen thousands of people return to the high street since 1 June.

The council has also not shirked from continuing to progress its ambitious £1 billion growth programme that when complete will deliver thousands of new jobs to the town and borough both during the construction phases and once works are complete. This includes the Northern Gateway Scheme where construction of the new Enterprise Centre on Holywell Cross (Donut) started on site during the lockdown period. Plans are also well advanced in progressing improvements to the public realm on Elder Way and taking forward the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project which will see a number of enhancements made to Chesterfield’s famous market grounds.

As part of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub, Chesterfield businesses can access an experienced business advisor and the council’s Economic Development team is always on hand to talk through and help develop solutions for businesses facing challenges large and small. You can contact the team by e-mail at economicdevelopment@chesterfield.gov.uk.

More information on the support that is available to businesses can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Derbyshire County Council pledge up to £15 million for coronavirus economic recovery

23rd July 2020

Derbyshire County Council are setting aside a fund of up to £15 millon to help support Derbyshire’s communities and businesses to recover from the effects of coronavirus.

Announcing the fund at the Derbyshire Economic Recovery Board on Monday 20 July 2020, Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said the fund would focus on creating jobs and growth, supporting the green economy and entrepreneurs and business diversification, as well as apprenticeships and training for young people.

The cash will help to pump-prime our recovery strategy which is currently being finalised alongside work to identify additional sources of funding from government to support further measures to get the county’s economy back on track.

Councillor Barry Lewis said: “I’m pleased to be able to announce this much-needed funding to help Derbyshire’s economy to recover from the effects of coronavirus in the coming months and years ahead.”

“We initially pledged £1 million in March for emergency support to help businesses and residents cope with the immediate consequences of the pandemic and now our focus has shifted to look at what we need to do to revive and reinvigorate our economy over the medium and longer term.”

“While the devastating effect of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, we’re keen to use this as an opportunity not just to rebuild our economy, but to build back better with emphasis on supporting our businesses and communities to be greener and creating a brighter future for our young people with better access to skills and job opportunities.”

At a meeting on 30 July 2020, the Cabinet will consider a report which identifies £15 million as the level of investment required for economic recovery and further plans for the fund will be considered by Cabinet in the coming months.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure

Joint venture formed to develop the Gateway at PEAK Resort

23rd July 2020

Specialist developer Milligan has formed a unique joint venture with landowner Birchall Properties. Working together with Chesterfield Borough Council, the Peak District National Park Authority and the University of Derby they plan to develop the UK’s first fully serviced national park gateway, consented on the eastern boundary of the Peak District.

The Gateway at PEAK will be part of the 300-acre PEAK Resort development, which has planning permission for up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges as well as a whole range of leisure, education and entertainment facilities, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

Chesterfield Borough Council CEO, Huw Bowen said; “PEAK Resort forms a key part of our growth plan for Chesterfield and we are delighted to support Milligan as they develop their plans to create the Gateway at PEAK. It will be a tourist attraction of national significance, supported by the wider catchment and improved connectivity provided by the advent of HS2. It will provide sustainable transport links to attractions and activities within Chesterfield and the National Park. We are also keen to ensure that local people benefit from the Gateway at PEAK through skills development and access to jobs, by working with Milligan and future operators helping them utilise local business supply chains wherever practicable.”

Chesterfield, already famous for its crooked spire, medieval architecture and Victorian Market Hall, is set to become the Peak’s gateway town, as currently 61% of visits are from the ‘east side’ of the park. The Gateway at PEAK itself, just four miles from Chesterfield, will shift visitors from their cars into more sustainable modes of transport and manage access into the national park landscape, reducing pressure on local communities and impacts on wildlife.

During the initial months of the Coronavirus outbreak and as lockdown restrictions have lifted across the UK, making the most of outdoor spaces has been a priority for most and the staycation market has exploded. This has not come without its drawbacks. The park already attracts 13 million tourism visits each year and demand for all national parks is predicted to rise exponentially, so many protected landscapes are naturally keen to explore opportunities to minimise the impacts of increased visitor numbers.

The Country Land and Business Association recently wrote to the Education Secretary asking that The Countryside Code be taught again in schools as an entire generation is being left without knowledge of how to treat and protect our natural environment. The Countryside Code, as we know it today, was published nearly 40 years ago. One of the purposes of the gateway will be to inform visitors on local wildlife, heritage and encourage responsible visiting through a series of experiences and digital technology inspired by the #PeakDistrictProud campaign launched earlier this spring. As 85% of visitors currently arrive by car, a gateway facility providing accommodation, parking and services for onward travel into the park by foot, bike or in public electric vehicles through park-and-ride, will help mitigate their environmental impact and help to reduce traffic congestion.

Melanie Taylor, head of retail relations at Milligan, said; “Our vision is to create a sustainable hub for like-minded businesses and a basecamp for the sustainable exploration of the UK’s first national park. As post-lockdown demand for outdoor pursuits grows, we must enable and facilitate the sustainable use of natural spaces and protect them for generations to come. A gateway could provide information for visitors to book single or multi-day itineraries, explore the area using more sustainable, less polluting modes of transport and buy or hire outdoor activity equipment to try out new activities.”

Sarah Fowler, chief executive of the Peak District National Park added; “As we approach our 70th year as the UK’s first national park, supporting sustainable gateways and opportunities for visitors to experience what we have to offer in a responsible way is vital to our future. It also resonates with our aim for everyone to be ‘PeakDistrictProud’ in their approach to spending time with us. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the role that national parks and our outdoor spaces can play in our recovery and long-term wellbeing. It feels both timely and exciting to be working collaboratively with Milligan and Birchall Properties to create the first Peak District National Park gateway as part of the PEAK Resort. The Peak District’s unique position in the heart of the country already makes us accessible to millions and our involvement in the Gateway at PEAK will help unlock our wildlife, cultural heritage and natural beauty to others, befitting a pioneering approach to sustainable tourism.”

Over the next two months, the partnership led by Milligan will be undertaking a major marketing and research phase discussing the opportunity with companies both large and small, local and national that might be interested in participating. They will be looking to create partnerships with brands that align with the Gateway at PEAK’s values and vision, to integrate products, experiences and expertise into the delivery of a world-class visitor experience.

Once this phase is completed in September, a detailed building specification will be finalised, and it is intended that construction will start in 2021.

Find out and enquire about the opportunitites about the Gateway at Peak

Find out more about Peak Resort

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Visiting

Chesterfield’s hospitality sector optimistic for future

22nd July 2020

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez has praised the ‘team spirit’ of local businesses in the hospitality sector who, he says, “have shared ideas and good practice to ensure the local economy re-opens safely and successfully.”

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, businesses in Chesterfield’s hospitality sector are feeling positive following their re-opening on Saturday 4 July. The optimism has been further boosted by Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s help for the hospitality industry which was unveiled in his summer statement.

Mr Perez commented: “The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have an impact on the industry for the foreseeable future and whilst businesses have worked extremely hard to adapt their business models. It is a tough market and we are extremely grateful for the government initiatives including business rate reductions, eating out voucher scheme and VAT reduction.”

Destination Chesterfield sprang into action following the Chancellor’s announcement and has produced a webpage with details of businesses in and around Chesterfield that are taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. The website can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/eat-out-to-help-out-in-chesterfield

One of the businesses to sign up to the scheme, includes H & F Vintage Tearooms based on New Beetwell Street. Sharon Hilton, owner and Director of H&F Vintage Tearooms which re-opened on Monday 6 July said: “I am feeling optimistic about the future. Each day since opening there has been a steady increase in business. Customers and staff have adapted well to the small changes we’ve put in place.”

H & F Vintage Tearooms is based on New Beetwell Street in Chesterfield town centre

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout shared Sharon’s optimism saying: “We’ve been busier than expected since re-opening. The safety measures we have put in place have ensured that customers feel safe and comfortable and they are confident in dining with us.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, added: “Despite the hospitality sector’s nervousness ahead of re-opening, it is great to see that people are returning to their favourite pubs, restaurants and cafes.”

Many businesses have had to reduce the seating capacity to account for social distancing, however they have made use of outdoor space which has proved popular given the recent good weather. The Tickled Trout has added a pop-up pub in the car park of the restaurant where customers can enjoy a drink.

Mr Perez added: “We are extremely grateful to have no shortage of space at both properties, indoor and outdoor. The beautiful weather has also allowed us to take advantage of our gardens, terraces and at Peak Edge Hotel the Airstream bar and live music in the bandstand, allowing a great atmosphere whilst practising social distancing.”

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout, however, has urged the general public to ensure they cancel bookings if they are unable to attend. “The hospitality industry is already operating at reduced capacity, so when a booking is a no-show this is devastating to the business. There is less opportunity for walk-ins right now, so every no-show leaves us with an empty table. Please, please ensure you show up when you have made a booking or cancel it if you are unable to attend.”

Already Chesterfield is seeing signs of the predicated staycation boom. “We have had a massive increase in bookings for our holiday cottages. They are now almost fully booked until September,” added Chris.”

Steve Perez added: “All the signs are positive for a staycation boom in the Peak District this summer. Tourism is the backbone of our local economy and it is extremely important we support each other and share best practice.”

Chesterfield businessman and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Steve Perez

Dom Stevens added: “The Chancellor’s support for the sector is particularly welcome at this time however, we must all ensure we continue to support hospitality businesses beyond the eat out to help out scheme.”

“With the hospitality sector now fully re-open, the town now has a real opportunity to capitalise on the staycation boom and drive forward its economic recovery.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy added: “The re-opening of these businesses is vital for our local economy and will help ensure the longevity of the many brilliant establishments in our borough.”

Although the hospitality sector has re-opened its doors a number of businesses are continuing to operate takeaway and delivery services that were put in place during lockdown.

Chris Radford, owner of Brampton Brewery explained: “A lot of our older clientele are still very nervous about going back into pubs so for that reason we’re maintaining our free home delivery service of bottled beers.”

Details of businesses offering takeaway and delivery can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal

If you are a local food businesses that is participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme and would like to be featured on the Chesterfield.co.uk website, please email info@chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield-based solicitor secures place with expert association

21st July 2020

Leading dispute resolution expert Lee Foster has successfully become a member of ACTAPS – a specialist association for lawyers who are leading professionals in contentious trust and probate work.

Lee, a Solicitor and Director at Banner Jones, is the only practising Solicitor in Chesterfield to have been awarded the ACTAPS accreditation, and one of only a handful in this region. This accolade recognises his significant experience and aptitude in dealing with complex probate disputes, Inheritance Act claims and other trust disputes.

After qualifying as a solicitor in 2002, Lee has spent the last few years specialising in contentious probate law after realising what a difference it can make to people’s lives.

The association will now enable Lee to develop this specialism further by becoming involved with their seminars, conferences, and group meetings.

Commenting on the accreditation Lee said it was ‘fantastic’ to be recognised by this quality benchmark and to have the opportunity to ‘become better connected with other specialists across the country’.

He said, “Acceptance to the association further endorses our reputation as dispute resolution experts in the region, and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to interact and engage with other skilled experts within this field.”

Rob Stubbs, Head of Dispute Resolution at Banner Jones said: “Lee has worked extremely hard on his application to ACTAPS and I am delighted that he has been accepted.

“The organisation only accepts the very best in this field and so I feel honoured to have Lee as part of my team.

“This is a practice area that we are looking to develop, and Lee is now in a great position to help us achieve our goals.”

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the Chesterfield through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Local tourism businesses invited to take part in new ‘staycation’ marketing video

20th July 2020

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is producing a new marketing video to showcase the area, and are asking for submissions from local businesses.

Local tourism and hospitality businesses are invited to film and submit clips, telling visitors all the reasons why the Peak District & Derbyshire is the perfect place for a UK ‘staycation’.

The marketing video will be part of the new ‘Time to…’ campaign by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, which shines a spotlight on the warm welcome that awaits guests to the Peak District and Derbyshire, whilst showcasing the extra safety measures that businesses have put in place in order to reopen responsibly.

The ‘Time to…’ campaign will be supported across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s digital channels and on social media. Local businesses will be encouraged to create their own images using the campaign taglines which include ‘Time to Plan’, ‘Time to Discover’ and ‘Time to Recharge’.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but our passionate, caring and resilient tourism businesses have worked exceptionally hard to put all the right measures in place to ensure we can warmly welcome visitors back.”

Here are some examples of what companies might say in a clip:

If you’re an activity provider you might say things like…”Our gritstone edges”, “The heights”, “Our natural landscapes”, “The bridleways”.
If you’re an accommodation provider you might say things like…”The comfort”, “Our rooms with a view”, “Our warm welcome”, “The cosy nights in”.
If you’re an attraction you might say something like… “Our friendly guides”, “The memorable experience”, “Our unique days out”.

The deadline for submitting videos is 11am on Monday 27th July.

Click here for details on how to get involved and submit your own videos.

If you have any questions regarding the filming or submission of your video, please contact danielle.sorsby@marketingpdd.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Surge in demand as Avant Homes Central is back building and selling on all its development sites

20th July 2020

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes Central has announced the successful restart of construction work and sales activity on all 10 of its residential development sites.

The housebuilder is operating each development in strict accordance with UK government public health guidelines regarding Covd-19 to ensure the safety of its people, residents, contractors, suppliers and site visitors.

Since restarting its build programme and opening its marketing suites, the company has experienced a surge in prospective buyer enquiries.

Commenting on the successful restart, Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands said: “As soon as we closed down our build and sales operations, we began planning a safe way to return to work once it was encouraged by the UK government.”

“This enabled us to restart our build programme at pace, closely followed by our sales operation. We experienced an immediate and significant surge in demand from prospective buyers wanting to view our homes, which is still ongoing. This is testimony to both our product and the great work done by our people to respond to the situation created by Covid-19.”

“Our customer appointment system is working well to meet the high levels of demand and our sales teams are fully trained to provide safe showhome and site viewing experiences. We look forward to welcoming many more people to our developments as we continue to steadily increase activity across all our sites.”

The housebuilder’s current developments under construction stretch from Worksop to Nottingham, and when complete will have delivered a total of over 1200 new homes combined.

Its latest developments include Egstow Park in Clay Cross, Woodyard Park in Nottingham, Phase 2 of the highly successful Portlands Development in Creswell and Waterside Quarter, part of the £340 million regeneration project on the edge of Chesterfield town centre, adjacent to the River Rother and Chesterfield Canal.

Avant Homes’ Waterside Quarter offers buyers 11 house designs

Sales momentum is expected to increase even further over the coming months following the government announcement to raise the threshold for stamp duty in England and Wales to £500,000.

Commenting on the changes Stuart said: “The chancellor’s announcement is fantastic news for those looking for a new home. The impact of Covid-19 has created many challenges for both developers and homebuyers and not only does this mean buyers can make significant savings on purchasing a home, but it also acts as a catalyst to boost the housing market.

“We very much welcome the changes and anticipate that buyers will jump at the opportunity to take advantage of the rates holiday.”

Avant Homes Central is part of Avant Homes, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned housebuilders. Currently operating in Scotland, Yorkshire, north east England and the Midlands, Avant Homes has a turnover of £483 million and employs around 780 people. The company’s head office is at Junction 30 of the M1, near Sheffield.

For more information about Avant Homes visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

Avant Homes Central supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Stuart Rowlands, Managing Director Avant Homes Central

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

New beauty salon opens in Chesterfield

17th July 2020

A new beauty salon, Skin & Tonic, is now open on Chesterfield’s Sheffield Road, after unavoidable delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The beauty rooms were originally due to open on the 24th March, the date that lockdown began, meaning that the opening had to be postponed until the government advice allowed.

Owner Emma Watson has over 10 years’ experience in the beauty industry, after gaining her BTEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Sciences from Chesterfield College in 2010.

Emma has previously worked at Leicestershire’s luxury Ragdale Hall Spa, as well as working for L’Oreal on national campaigns, before relocating back to her hometown of Chesterfield.

Emma, who is also a member of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, said: “I believe it’s important to ‘be your own kind of beautiful’. I specialise in skincare and it’s my absolute passion, it’s your body’s biggest organ so you must look after it!”

“During my career, I have learned expert skincare techniques by training with top brands such as Elemis, Decléor, Carita, Crystal Clear and Clarins. I learned nail techniques with Leighton Denny, O.P.I., CND Shellac and The Gel Bottle, tanning with Fake Bake and trained inSpa Find and Base Formula body treatments allowing me to offer such a wide range of services.”

Emma added: “I look forward to bringing my skill, knowledge and experience to a new and exciting business venture. I am excited to welcome you with wide open arms to my little haven, not far from the centre of Chesterfield.”

Skin & Tonic offer waxing for both men and women, manicures, pedicures, gel nails, lash and brow treatments, skincare and facial services, massages, and more.

You can find out more on their website at www.skinandtonicchesterfield.co.uk or by visiting their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Councils’ support Community Trust takeover of Chesterfield Football Club

14th July 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council have resolved to each provide £0.5m loans to Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust (the ‘Trust’) to support the Trust’s acquisition and operation of Chesterfield Football Club (the ‘Club’), subject to final agreement with the Trust on terms and completion of due diligence.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet took the decision this morning (14 July 2020) whilst Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet came to an ‘in principle’ decision on the matter back in March.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield Football Club has been an integral part of life here in Chesterfield borough for over 150 years.

“Football has the power to change people’s lives for the better. At such a difficult time for all of us, we believe the Club and Trust have key roles to play in supporting Chesterfield’s social and economic recovery.

“We’ve been impressed by the Trust’s approach in looking at all aspects of the Club’s financial and business affairs, and we think it’s the right thing for the Council to do to back the Trust at this time.

“We are also pleased to be working collaboratively with Derbyshire County Council on this venture and we very much welcome their involvement.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Derbyshire County Council has worked with Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust over many years on a range of education, health and wellbeing and employment support programmes.

“The loans to the Trust will mean that these programmes will be critical in supporting the communities of Chesterfield and north eastern Derbyshire to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

“We therefore believe it makes good sense for our two Councils to come together to help fund the Trust.

“We’re confident that the Trust can breathe new life into the Club and bring new visitors from far and wide to enjoy not just the football, but all that the wonderful county of Derbyshire has to offer.”

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet decision is subject to the council’s call-in procedure, which means that the decision cannot be implemented until five calendar days have elapsed without a call-in being invoked.

Both councils have legal due diligence processes to complete to ensure that their respective interests are properly protected. It is proposed that the two £0.5m loans will be jointly secured by a legal charge on the Club’s stadium as was the case in 2009, when Chesterfield Borough Council provided a £1m loan to the Club, which was subsequently paid off

The loans will be repayable over a 15-year period and will attract a commercial rate of interest.

Should the Trust choose to sell the Club at some point in the future, then the Councils’ loans would be repaid in full at the point of sale.

The two Councils will also be invited to make appointments to the Trust.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home