The work of schools, groups and individuals to help young people to engage in more active and healthy lives has been recognised at this year’s Derbyshire School Sport and Physical Activity Awards.
Held at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield, the awards – which are run jointly by Active Derbyshire, Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association Sports Association (DSSA) and Derbyshire Active Schools Network (DASN) – also celebrated the sporting successes of young people and the hard work of volunteers, leaders, coaches and school staff.
Winners included The Pingle Academy, which received the Active Derbyshire Schools Community Contribution Award, and Chapel-en-le-Frith High School which won Outstanding School Achievement.
Naomi Jones, Programme Lead at Active Derbyshire, said: “We were delighted to work in partnership with DSSA and DASN to organise and host this year’s awards, and my congratulations go to all of the winners. There is some fantastic work taking place in schools to promote health and wellbeing and engage more young people in becoming physically active and we thoroughly enjoyed showcasing some of the best examples of how this is happening across Derbyshire as well as recognising the successes of a number of individuals and teams.”
Fifteen schools were also recognised for being awarded The School Games Mark Platinum Award from the Youth Sport Trust. They are: Cutthorpe Primary School; Dronfield Stonelow Junior School; Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School; Glebe Junior School; Hague Bar Primary School; Hayfield Primary School; Ladywood Primary School; Linton Primary School; Longstone CofE Primary School; Markeaton Primary School; Osmaston CofE Primary School; Pennine Way Junior Academy; St Edward’s Catholic Academy; Tintwistle CofE Primary School; and Walton On Trent CofE Primary and Nursery School.
The Platinum Award was launched as an extension of the School Games Mark to reward schools who have maintained consistently high standards with their school sport provision, and special certificates of recognition were presented by Katy Rogers from the Youth Sport Trust.
A full list of award winners is below:
Outstanding Personal Achievement, sponsored by the University of Derby
Kate Robertson, Derby High School
Joseph Cooper, Chinley Primary School
Abbie Breakwell, The Long Eaton School
Ben Haylett, Friesland School
George Cooper, Bolsover Church of England Junior School
Jacob Whittle, Tupton Hall School
Outstanding Team Achievement, sponsored by Unit 1 Fitness and Martial Arts
Derbyshire Youth Sailing A Team
Ecclesbourne School Key Stage 4 Boys Badminton Team
Silverhill Primary School U11 Girls Futsal Team
Derbyshire Schoolboys Golf Team
Personal Best
Joel Kelly, All Saints Catholic Voluntary Academy
Outstanding School Achievement, sponsored by the University of Derby
Chapel-en-le-Frith High School
Teacher/Staff Member of the Year
Andrew Reeves, Fairmeadows Foundation Primary School
Heather James, Ladywood Primary School
Chris Peach, Ashbourne Primary School
Nikki Shenton, Heath Fields Primary School
Active and Healthy School of the Year, sponsored by Boogie Bounce
Town End Junior School
New Mills Primary School
Ladywood Primary School
Brockwell Junior School
Bishop Lonsdale Primary School
Active Project or Initiative
Town End Junior School
Tibshelf Infant & Nursery School
Redwood Primary School
Volunteer of the Year
Louise Robertson, Derbyshire Youth Sailing
Alisha Bethell, Highfields School
Frazer Hipkiss, Brockwell Junior School
Young Leaders Award, sponsored by Chesterfield College
Blakley Radford-Banks, Town End Junior School
Louis Graham, Harrington Junior School
Nathanael Gaskin, Brockwell Junior School
Holly Carr, Highfields School
Evie Jowett, Highfields School
Young Coach/Official Award
Emma Robertson, Derby High School
Harry Rudkin, Highfields School
Active Derbyshire Schools Community Contribution Award
The Pingle Academy
The Services to School Sport Award in honour of Suzanne Meehan
Two local businesses, both Chesterfield Champions, are working together to provide house hunters in Chesterfield a sleek and professional home buying service.
Chesterfield-based mortgage advisers Mortgage 1st and local estate agent Dales & Peaks are now proudly working together to enhance the home buying experience for their customers in and around Chesterfield.
When a customer visits Dales & Peaks in search of a new home or buy-to-let investment they are met by a welcoming team of estate agents, led by Sales Director Tom Currey, who will assist them in finding the ideal property.
To be able to then put in an offer to buy a property, the customer needs an AIP (Agreement in Principle) which is proof that they can get a mortgage. Mortgage 1st has a team of experienced mortgage advisers, led by Managing Director Jon Stones, who can search the market to find the best mortgage deal available to them based on their circumstances.
The two Chesterfield Champions will each doing what they do best and by working together are able to provide expertise, guidance and exceptional levels of service to meet the needs of the modern house hunter of today.
Jon Stones said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Dales & Peaks team as they share in our vision for providing customer excellence and are a dynamic and forward thinking business like ourselves.”
PCT Healthcare, incorporating Peak Pharmacy, held their first Staff Conference and Awards Dinner in October, aiming to build internal relationships between departments in the business, and recognise and reward the achievements of the staff.
PCT Healthcare is an independent pharmacy chain. Peak Pharmacy, the firm’s pharmacies in Derbyshire, was founded in Chesterfield in 1981 and PCT Healthcare remains a family-owned entity today. Having grown from one pharmacy in Chesterfield, to now owning and managing over 120 pharmacies in the UK, PCT Healthcare employs over 1400 people.
Over 350 staff members attended the event, where an afternoon session consisted of introductions from senior management, an opportunity to network with business associates and sponsors, and chance to meet other internal teams within PCT Healthcare.
The main focus of the event was the evening awards ceremony, which recognised the hard work, determination & in some cases extraordinary achievements of individuals & teams throughout the business.
The ‘Special Recognition Award’ was won by David Smith (right), a pharmacist from Peak Pharmacy at the Greendale Centre in Dronfield. David has raised over £100,000 to date for various charities, working in an extremely busy pharmacy during the week and spending most weekends running at events all over the UK for his designated charities. True to form, David left the Nottingham Belfry at 4am on the Sunday to drive to Cardiff to run a half marathon, complete in his regular Scooby Doo attire. You can follow David and his remarkable achievements here.
Joe Cattee, Director at PCT Healthcare, said: “It was an extremely enjoyable experience, and a great opportunity to see so many of our staff in such a glamorous environment. The main reason behind the event was to recognise & reward the hard work all our colleagues put it on a daily basis, as they make our business a success. We wanted to thank them all for their support, and I am confident that we achieved this from the feedback I’ve received and the conversations on the night.”
“We’re extremely proud to employ the number of people we do and we constantly do our best to apply our family values to drive the business in the right direction. It’s fantastic to recognise the achievements of so many of our staff who continue to impress us with their tireless attitude, and I wish we had done this sooner!”
Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, is celebrating the third anniversary of two specialist mental health services which have pioneered a unique model of residential therapy since opening in 2016.
Two of their centres provide treatment for individuals with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), a complex condition which is estimated to affect around 1.3 million of the population and up to 30% of people open to psychiatric services in the UK. It often involves very intense emotions and feelings of abandonment and loneliness which can result in difficulties in establishing stable relationships, impulsive acts, self-harm, life-threatening behaviour and admission to secure hospital accommodation. Treatment conventionally takes place in a hospital or community setting, but Heathcotes has developed an innovative approach which provides therapy within a full-time residential care environment. Each providing a total of eight residential placements, the two services are fully occupied and employ a clinical therapy team working in tandem with a team of specially trained support workers.
The treatment is based on a programme of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) which helps residents to understand their feelings and teaches them skills to manage their emotions and behaviour, with a transition into more independent living being the ultimate goal. The programme, which lasts between 12 and 18 months, provides weekly skills groups, weekly individual therapy, skills coaching, weekly peer supervision for the therapists and an element of structuring in the day-to-day living environment to reinforce the learning and use of the skills.
Dr Peter Burbidge, Heathcotes’ Head of Psychology & Clinical Lead, explained the thinking behind the therapy model: “The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends DBT as one of the therapies suitable for treating this type of personality disorder, but DBT’s success can depend on the setting and circumstances in which it takes place. Hospital-based therapy can be successful, but it goes against the objectives of the government’s Transforming Care Agenda, which seeks to enable more people to live in the community, with the right support, thereby reducing lengthy hospital stays.”
Dr Peter Burbidge commented on the success of the services and his hopes for the future: “A few aspects have evolved since the services first opened. We have adapted the materials that we use and the way that we teach to suit our client group. However, we have remained true to therapeutic model and still deliver Full Programme DBT to the majority of our service users.”
“We’ve also started offering continued support post-therapy, including psychological input to individuals with EUPD living in our supported living provision. We are continually seeking new ways to expand and enhance the therapy model, so we are confident that its success will continue to grow – in three years’ time, we expect to be celebrating our sixth birthday having helped many more graduates move on to a more stable, independent and fulfilling life.”
Residents who complete the DBT programme are given a graduation party to celebrate their achievement and reflect on the journey to recovery. So far, thirteen service users have graduated across the two centres. Each graduate has the option to stay in placement, move back home / into the community or move into one of Heathcotes’ supported-living apartments, providing self-contained accommodation that allows them to build on their daily living skills and increase their independence.
A new closer working relationship between Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, focussed on delivering key regeneration projects, will help achieve the borough’s growth strategy.
As highlighted in the Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy approved in 2018, there are a number of significant growth and regeneration projects underway in the borough. Collectively, these projects provide an opportunity to put Chesterfield on a higher growth path. For Chesterfield’s communities these projects will bring the opportunity to access up to 10,000 new jobs.
The new Joint Growth Board will ensure the councils will consider at a strategic level how best to deploy resources to ensure delivery timescales and outcomes are met.
Resources will be shared to accelerate and achieve further economic development in the area, with both organisations currently involved in a number of multi-million-pound projects across the borough including the Northern Gateway project, Chesterfield Waterside, Staveley Corridor improvements and planning for HS2. There will also be a dedicated skills delivery officer to ensure the work readiness of local people to take advantage of the new jobs that will be created.
Councillor Terry Gilby (right), Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Both councils have ambitious economic growth programmes underway, so the creation of the new Joint Growth Board will allow us to accelerate project delivery, share resources and have a more joined-up approach to working with our private sector partners.”
“We put our communities first in each of the projects we undertake, so I believe that the new jobs, housing and benefits this partnership will bring to our local economy will help to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.”
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “As Derbyshire’s largest town, we all want to see Chesterfield thrive.”
“That’s why it makes sense to work together, to pool our resources and efforts to create jobs and drive economic growth. It’s all part of our approach to being an Enterprising Council and it’s what our residents and businesses expect.”
The Joint Growth Board will include the leaders of both councils, as well as the appropriate portfolio holders who will be responsible for monitoring the delivery of a defined list of key projects and decision to ensure plans remain on track.
Councillor Gilby continued: “This is really great news for the borough. The new board will allow a direct link to the political leadership of both councils and will create a multi-disciplinary resource able to work flexibly across identified priority projects.”
One of the next projects on the horizon in the heart of Chesterfield is a new enterprise centre (below) for both start-up and medium sized businesses on the Holywell Cross (donut) car park, with work due to start after the archaeological dig is finalised. This is one element of the Northern Gateway project, funded by a Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund grant of £5.83 million.
Works are also underway on Elder Way and Knifesmithgate to create new retail outlets under the new Premier Inn, as well as there being street improvements planned in the area next year.
Chesterfield Champions Shorts have been part of the team of advisors, legal representatives and funders on the management buy-out of automotive aftermarket braking products specialists, Juratek Ltd.
Founded in 1995 Juratek Ltd supply high-quality automotive aftermarket braking products for both Light & Commercial Vehicles, from its head office in Doncaster (UK). The £16m turnover company employs 50+ people and distributes around the world. Existing shareholder Matt Robinson (Managing Director), Toby Whewell (Sales & Marketing Director) and Mark Clegg (Operations Director) have now taken full control after acquiring the remaining shareholding from outgoing Chairman Allan Hooks.
Andy Ryder (right), Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “It was a pleasure to assist Matt, Toby and Mark to complete the buy-out of a business which they have been key to driving over recent times.”
Matt Robinson said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Juratek Ltd and have exciting plans to continue the growth of the company both in the UK and overseas markets. The company has seen a sustained period of growth and transition in the past 5 years and we are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities open to us.”
He added: “I was keen for Mark and Toby to join me in the management buyout, between us we have over 70 years’ experience in the Automotive Aftermarket, yet we also retain the energy and passion needed to drive the company to even greater success.”
Allan Hooks said “I have seen Juratek grow and develop into a well-respected aftermarket company both in the UK and Europe. Its’ commitment to quality in all areas of its business remain paramount to its trading ethos. After 20 years with the company I believe it is time for me to hand over the reins to the management team led by Matt Robinson, in whom I have full confidence.”
Fellow Chesterfield Champions BHP also provided financial due diligence advice.
One of Chesterfield’s oldest Italian restaurants, Lombardi’s has been named as the town’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the seventh annual Food and Drink Awards.
Established in 2002 and based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, Lombardi’s succeeded in scooping the coveted title after being shortlisted for the top award in 2017. Since then the family-owned Italian restaurant has continued to impress diners with its ‘authentic rustic Italian dishes bursting with flavour, cooked with passion.’
Accepting the award at the glittering awards evening, which was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony was this year held at the Winding Wheel Theatre. Recognising the very best people, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and food producers, the awards have been a highlight in the town’s food and drink sector since 2013.
In addition to Lombardi’s, 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals also scooped an accolade across 15 categories at the ceremony.
Congratulating all the winners, Brian Turner said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Whether a winner or runner up everyone should be proud of themselves.”
Other headline winners on the night included Casa Hotel, which scooped two awards – International Restaurant of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.
Town centre-based Sorbo Lounge was also named as Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer. Based in the former Post Office building in Market Place, Sorbo Lounge embodies Chesterfield’s drive to evolve and create a modern town centre environment.
More than 260 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. The awards are also a hands-on learning experience for headline sponsor, Chesterfield College’s hospitality students, who served canapés to guests at the venue.
Brian Turner added: “The hospitality industry is demanding but hugely enjoyable and for all young people on the brink of a career within it, work experience is critical. It is great to see Chesterfield College and its students involved with the awards. Involvement in the Young Chef competition and the practical involvement of the hospitality students serving the canapés on the night deliver invaluable work experience to young people, which will benefit them in their future careers in the industry.”
Young and upcoming talent in the sector was also put under the spotlight at the awards with Chesterfield College student, Jake Parkin being named as the Young Chef of the Year.
David Malone, Chief Operations Officer from Chesterfield College Group said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards again this year. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It is inspiring to see so many people from the local industry gather to celebrate the success of established businesses and those who are just starting out. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of catering and hospitality experts being recognised too. I hope we will see the finalists and winners of the Apprentice and Young Chef of the Year play a part in this thriving sector in the future.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards ceremony has been a huge success with more people nominating and more businesses and individuals being shortlisted than previous years. The year-on-year growth of the awards is a direct reflection of how the town’s food and drink sector is continuing to grow.
“There is a great sense of community in the sector with businesses and individuals committed to its success, and this was reflected at the awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to everyone.”
The winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant
Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Ryan Purrington, Head Chef and Manager at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant said: “It feels incredible to win. We have worked hard all year for this. We are innovative and make a point of doing our own thing to stand out from the crowd. At the minute we are undergoing a huge refurb and re-opening on 3 November with some exciting things to come.”
Rebecca Walker, General Manager of The Rectory, said: “This is the third time we’ve been nominated for the award but the first year we have won, and it feels absolutely amazing. Over the last year we have really pushed the boundaries with our menu and worked hard to find out what Chesterfield wants and it’s paid off.”.
Oliver Perez, Operations Director of Pump + Grind said: “It feels fantastic to win the award. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last two years and it’s great to be recognised for this. People like Pump + Grind because we try to do things differently. We take our inspiration from the big towns and cities and bring it to Chesterfield. It’s a great town to go out in and has a brilliant food and drink scene, which we love being part of and are looking to do more as we develop our food menu further.”
Caleb Wilkes, Assistant Manager at Sorbo Lounge said: “A massive thank you to everyone in Chesterfield who helped us win this award. We’ve worked hard to make Sorbo Lounge a place where everyone feels welcome and this award tell us that we have achieved that. And we want to do even more. Next year we have lots of things planned to fundraise for the charity we’re supporting – The Tom Henson Charity and Defib Map. It’s going to be very exciting for all the team and our customers.”
Third time winners at the award, owners of Bottle & Thyme, Hannah and Gavin Grainger, said: “It feels brilliant to win an award for customer service as we work so hard with the team to get it right. We have lovely customers so it’s a real pleasure; delivering great service feels really instinctive as it’s a pleasure to have a chat and catch up with them.
“Moving forward, as a business we’re going to continue to push to be more environmentally friendly. That has been a big focus for us in 2019 and will be in 2020.”
Nick Wilson, Executive Chef at Southgate Brasserie said: “It’s amazing to win and the culmination of a year’s hard work – it’s the cherry on the cake. People like us because we’re accessible and cater for all tastes from a simple roast dinner through to Rosette-winning cuisine.”
David Hemstock, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Derbyshire Distillery said: “This award means everything to us. It’s far beyond what we thought we could achieve when we established the business only 14 months ago. We’ve now got purpose-built premises at Markham Vale, which has given the business space to grow and develop even further. Despite the growth in production, our focus will remain on quality; from the ingredients in our products to the fact that the entire gin making process is all done under one roof and by us – that’s what really sets us apart.”
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons
Jake Parkin
Jake Parkin said: “When I heard my name called out, I was absolutely thrilled. I was confident I’d done well in the cooking element of the competition, but to actually win the award means the world to me. The Young Chef of the Year award is the start of my career to eventually become a head chef. The whole experience has been exciting but nerve wracking.”
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Cocina at Casa Hotel
Luke Gregory, Resident Manager at Casa Hotel said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re overjoyed. We pride ourselves on our service and locally sourced food to deliver an excellent experience for customers and this comes through in our customer feedback – they tell us they love Cocina’s relaxed atmosphere and quality food.”
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Chesters
Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters said: “To win this award for the fourth time in a row feels brilliant. The whole team is so proud as we all work hard to ensure we have the best environment for families who dine with us as we know that keeping the kids entertained is the key to the whole family enjoying their meal.
“We’re hoping to give even more families a taste of Chesters soon as we’re expanding the business into Markham Vale next year with the opening of a new restaurant and drive through. Exciting times are ahead.”
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)
Donna McMahon, Van Dyk by Wildes
Donna McMahon said: I am astonished to have won Apprentice of the year as I am an older apprentice and people just assume that apprenticeships are for younger people. I decided to do a business administration apprenticeship because my employer wanted to invest in me and it was an opportunity to develop myself. Everything I have learnt in the apprenticeship so far is really helping me in my job role. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, regardless of their age, who wants to develop themselves and build their knowledge.”
Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)
Michael Nash, Operations Director at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa said: “The apprentices work really hard in the business and this award also recognises their contribution. Apprenticeships bring immeasurable value to the business and are a double-edged sword for both us and the apprentices. Everyone benefits.”
Conference Venue of the Year
Casa Hotel
Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel said: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package – from food, passionate staff and accommodation – and I believe it is this, which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”
Chris Mapp, Head Chef and owner of The Tickled Trout said: “I am over the moon, surprised and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about the industry and Chesterfield because it’s home, also because we have such fantastic produce on the doorstep in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Youngsters beginning their career need to understand how food works – taste over presentation using locally sourced food is an excellent starting point. It’s an amazing industry to work in.”
North Derbyshire and Yorkshire’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, BHP, has appointed three partners – all who started their careers at the firm.
Rachelle Rowbottom, who joined BHP in 1998 following her A-Levels and now heads up the tax service line to the charity and not-for-profit sector, has been made a Tax Partner. Through her charity role, Rachelle is a Charity Tax Group Observer Member, meaning she regularly attends meetings with key players in the sector, attends conferences and can input into lobbying activities – placing her at the very forefront of legislative changes. Rachelle also acts for a portfolio of owner-managed businesses.
Kevin Davies, who has been with the firm since 2001 following a degree in Maths with Accounting at the University of Sheffield, has been promoted to Corporate Finance Partner. Kevin, who is based in BHP’s Sheffield office, has worked on some of the region’s highest profile deals including MBOs, disposals and acquisitions.
Paul Winwood, who joined BHP in 2006 after studying Economics at Newcastle University, has been appointed Partner and Head of Audit. Paul will continue to act for a growing range of SMEs and regulated clients, in addition to ensuring BHP is fully prepared for dealing with the technological and regulatory changes facing the audit profession.
Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partner at BHP, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachelle, Kevin and Paul to BHP’s 33-strong team of partners and we’re especially proud that they are all homegrown talent!
“We see each individual as a major asset to the firm and this is well deserved recognition for their hard work and commitment.
“Not only do these appointments further strengthen core areas of the business, but they also showcase the growth and career progression opportunities we can offer at BHP.”
Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, added: “At BHP, we understand how important it is to nurture, develop and support employees to reach their full potential. Furthermore, we want to retain talent and skills as much as possible.
“This approach has always been central to our business model and our firm’s success.”
Earlier this year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list – now in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally-celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.
BHP was also recently awarded Best Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards and recognised with the Community Award at the Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards. BHP’s Audit team also scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards last month.
With more than 300 staff, over the last 10 years BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m. For more information about BHP click here.
From left to right – Rachelle Rowbottom, Paul Winwood, Lisa Leighton, Kevin Davies, Hamish Morrison
The shortlist has been announced for the 2019 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.
Organised by the area’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, the awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector.
Finalists have been shortlisted across 11 categories celebrating different aspects of the visitor economy – from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.
Categories also champion accessible and sustainable tourism, highlighting businesses who are setting an inspirational and influential example.
Shortlisted businesses will be mystery-shopped and rigorously-judged by an expert panel, with the winners announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.
All Gold award winners will be presented with a luxury engraved award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the area’s best tourism businesses.
In a further boost, Gold award winners from each category will also automatically progress into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Congratulations to our shortlisted businesses, who have successfully reached the final stage of our search for the best of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism industry.”
“We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area, who are a great reflection of the quality and vitality of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire.”
“We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”
Chris Sellors, Managing Director of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, said: “As a manufacturing business that is passionate about delivering success and promoting our wonderful area, C W Sellors is delighted to be once again working with the team at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire to deliver a unique design and production of their local business awards.”
In a political climate where Brexit seems to be dominating the headlines and creating economic uncertainty, I am pleased to report that Chesterfield continues to buck the trend.
We’re boasting some of the biggest developments in the region, including Markham Vale, HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort, and this feels the tip of the iceberg. There is huge opportunity for Chesterfield’s high street.
In a room packed with members of the business community, we heard how the regeneration of our high street is taking shape. Excitingly, footfall at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has increased by 36% over the last six months thanks to their use of social media.
I was stunned to hear that we are spending an average of 136 minutes a day scrolling through 300 feet of content on our phones. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. While I don’t think I fall into this category, my adult children definitely do.
There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years which has been driven by our use of social media. But, as always, Chesterfield is ahead of the game. The town and its retailers are using their social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage with people and draw them not just to their business but to the town in general.
Partnership and collaboration have been at the heart of the town’s marketing campaign since we launched Destination Chesterfield in 2010. It’s reaping rewards for everyone – investors, residents, businesses and visitors. But there is still room for improvement.
If you are active on social media, then consider using it to help Chesterfield grow further. The next time you’re visiting Chesterfield town centre, ‘check in’ online to the businesses you visit. If you’ve had good service, leave them a review on their social media pages or on TripAdvisor. Share pictures of the many town centre events, food and drinks and tag Chesterfield in your post.
With a smart phone and a social media account at your fingertips, you can become an unofficial but valued member of the Chesterfield marketing campaign.
Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and the more people that know this will drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to help our high street to not only survive but thrive.
If you want to keep up-to-date with all the developments, news and events in Chesterfield on social media, then you can on Twitter (@chesterfielduk), Instagram (@chesterfielduk) and Facebook.
For National Work Life Week (7 – 11 October 2019), Essential Site Skills (ESS) took time to recognise their hard-working staff members and their families, as well as their strong belief in a modern working ethos.
As an award-winning, nationwide training provider, ESS promote a working culture where the passion that their business was founded on is visible. They constantly encourage their employees to continue their professional development within their careers, making a point to always listen and offer learning opportunities where possible.
Excessive working hours and a lack of flexibility can lead to a lack of productivity and an unmotivated, uncaring workforce. Ensuring employees are supported in their working week creates a positive outlook, engagement, motivation and a loyalty to the organisation.
ESS are big believers in helping to ensure their employees’ wellbeing is supported both at home and at work. The whole team embolden one another, encourage engagement and champion each individual success – both in and out of work.
Meet Client Sales Co-ordinator, Laura Wagstaff with two of her children, Bronte and Olan.
Laura said: “Working for ESS has been a breath of fresh air for me. I have never felt at ease asking to nip off to children’s school events or appointments and was always weighed down heavily with the guilt, worried that this would affect my progression at work. That is not ESS at all, all managers are so supportive of my home-life commitments which has meant that I can still have a fantastic career as well as being a mummy!”
Meet Training and Consultancy Manager, Michael Harcourt, spending some quality time with his daughter Mila.
Michael said: “Working for ESS has enabled me to spend time at home with my daughter when I’m not out training. This is a huge benefit for me and keeps me motivated to work hard for the company. Work life balance is a big part of the ESS ethos and is actively promoted by my line manager.”
Meet Training and Consultancy Instructor, Matt Fletcher with his two daughters Esme and Lily.
Matt said “Creating a balance between work and family time is so important. ESS have always supported me and I’m given the flexibility to manage my own training diary, so that I can be around for school plays, sports days, drop offs and pick ups. I really value this time with my children and wife. Your relationship with your employer is a two way street and I can honestly say, after the support I have received they will be repaid in my hard work and graft. That’s the key to a healthy and positive workforce, take care of them and they will give you everything back.”
Every team member at ESS has the opportunity to not only work flexibly, but also do what they enjoy, developing their learning with further training. ESS are a happy and forward thinking team; with a strong belief in the quality and integrity of the training delivered.
Click here to find out more about Essential Site Skills
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