Business

Local businessman featured in Parliamentary Review

23rd September 2019

Local businessman Marc Wildes, Managing Director of Wildes Group, has been featured in this year’s Parliamentary Review, looking at best industry practise.

Founded in 2009, the Wildes Group acquired Van Dyk Country House Hotel in November 2016, adding to a portfolio of successful ventures including Wildes Education, Loaf Hair salons, House of W, the Holiday Inn Express in Crewe and the Holiday Inn Express in Hoylake, Wirral.

An introductory message from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett reads: “The ability to listen and learn from one another has always been vital in parliament, in business and in most aspects of daily life. But at this particular moment in time, as national and global events continue to reiterate, it is uncommonly crucial that we forge new channels of communication and reinforce existing ones. The following article from Wildes Group is an attempt to do just that.”

Marc Wildes, Managing Director said “My business ethos is grounded in working hard to grow businesses that integrate with each other, create employment, training and career paths with a clear aim to strengthen the local economy via an ethos whereby all of our management team promote the importance of sourcing skills and products at a local level wherever possible”.

An example of this ethos in practice is the multimillion pound investment that is taking place at Van Dyk by Wildes , the luxury 4 star 1 rosette hotel in North Derbyshire. The investment will see the creation of a further 54 bedrooms and suites, an additional restaurant and terrace coupled with the new Ballroom with attached outside wedding garden and the development of Spa by Wildes which will include a Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Gym and spa gardens.

Read the full parliamentary review about the Wildes Group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Look back at a successful summer

23rd September 2019

Like many other people, I enjoyed a break away this summer, and as always it was an opportunity to relax, sample new food, and overindulge!

A break away from the town gives us the opportunity to see it in a new light. Often, you don’t notice the progress and growth that has been achieved until you have time away from familiar surroundings. Sometimes we need that break from the town to realise how far it has come in recent years – and the ambitious plans it has for the future. More than a billion pounds worth of investment is happening here right now, bringing with it new homes, businesses and jobs.

In the past couple of months alone we have, for example, seen the opening of the new Multi Storey car park and the archaeological dig which will lead to the delivery of the new innovation centre at the Northern Gateway, the commencement of the new housing by Avant Homes at Chesterfield Waterside, and a planning application submitted for the ‘Adrenaline World’ leisure facility at Peak Resort. We have also seen premier league side Sheffield United visit the town to play a pre-season friendly against Chesterfield FC.

The Saltergate car park is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and is located on Saltergate. With 526 spaces, the new car park is open 24 hours and has wider spaces than the previous car park it replaces.

Amongst many other attractions, we have a superb food and drink scene in the town. This was celebrated recently with the highly successful Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival held in Queens Park. We are lucky to have authentic cuisine from around the world on our doorstep as well as home grown culinary talent and food producers right here in Chesterfield.

PEAK plans to be an integrated leisure, health, sport and education destination on the edge of the Peak District National Park; set on the 300-acre Birchall Estate in Chesterfield.

Next month, at the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, we have the opportunity to recognise the people and produce that are helping put Chesterfield on the culinary map.

Remember, there are many things, including food, drink, scenery and a warm welcome, to name but a few, that we don’t even need to leave the town to enjoy; Chesterfield truly has much to offer.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

The winners of this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, in association with The Chesterfield College Group, will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 23rd October 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Rate Cute pop up shop opens in Vicar Lane

20th September 2019

The Rate Cute pop up shop opened at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre today (20 September), offering vintage clothing, accessories and more.

Rate Cute is a fashion brand owned by Charlotte Bolton (below), selling vintage, up-cycled clothing and handmade goods. As well as Charlotte’s own brand, the store will feature other small businesses and independent designer makers from all across the UK.

Charlotte said: “We’ll be stocking handpicked vintage clothing, handmade clothing, prints, accessories, greetings cards, ceramics, homeware – that’s all very modern and quirky.”

The shop will be located in the former Grainger Games unit, next to Iceland. The store will remain open until Christmas, however may remain open longer.

Charlotte Bolton says: “I’m super excited – I did the yarnbombing in Chesterfield a few years ago, to try and bring something fun and creative to the town, so now I’m really excited to be opening a pop-up shop which is definitely going to bring something different.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “The addition of Rate Cute is really exciting for Vicar Lane. There is a growing trend for wearing more unique styles as well as a more ethical, conscious approach to fashion and shopping in general, so we’re sure the store will appeal to a number of new and existing customers at Vicar Lane.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is home to a wide selection of fashion, homeware, jewelry and beauty stores to suit all tastes.

See more pictures on our Facebook page here.

Click here to read more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

The Housing Strategy is out for consultation

20th September 2019

Local people have got a chance to have their say on the council’s Housing Strategy as it is now out for consultation.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Housing Strategy (2019-2023) consultation will be open for the public to raise their views on from 13 September to 14 October 2019, with the document being available online to read and comment upon.

Housing is critical for everyone and everyone can have a view. The Housing Strategy aims to set the scene to ensure that appropriate housing in all areas and across all tenures is available to meet the housing needs of the people of Chesterfield.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “To ensure we are reflecting all views and recognise the diverse range of housing needs, we want to engage across the council, with partners and stakeholders and with existing tenants and residents.”

“This consultation is a demonstration of how the council takes its responsibilities as a housing provider very seriously. The strategy has been given a lot of thought within the organisation and is now available for residents to comment on.”

“It is important to ensure we collate a wide range of ideas and views to ensure we focus on the most relevant issues and interventions to have the greatest impact over the next four years.”

The strategy is set out under three key objectives:

Delivery – Ensuring that increased new housing provision meets the needs of current and future residents of Chesterfield to provide a home for every stage of life
Quality– The council will utilise internal and external resources to ensure that as many homes as possible in all tenures are of decent quality
People – Ensuring that the needs of all groups to access and sustain housing appropriate for their needs in Chesterfield.

You can find out more about the consultation and comment on the strategy by following the link to the questionnaire on the council’s website https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing-strategy

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure

Local home care company receives recommendation-based award

16th September 2019

Following on from their recent Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a Chesterfield-based care company has now been honoured with a top regional award due to receiving many glowing recommendations from clients and their families.

Chesterfield Champions Home Instead Senior Care specialises in providing at-home care to older people, and has been named as one of the 20 most recommended providers in the Home Care Awards 2019.

Stephanie Metham, Co-Owner of Home Instead Senior Care, said: “Here at Home Instead Chesterfield we are very proud to have been recognised as one of the Top 20 Home Care Providers in the East Midlands. We are always striving to provide the best care possible and our excellent team of caregivers are so attentive and caring. The client’s dignity is respected at all times and each caregiver will always go the extra mile for their client. A big well done to all the team.”

homecare.co.uk is the Trip Advisor of the home-care industry. The independent review site lists all registered UK home-care providers and publishes verified pieces of independent feedback, submitted by the public. Over 10,000 people post reviews to the site each year and this is the third year that Home Instead Senior Care has placed in a top spot.

The exceptional reviews covered multiple areas, including staff, care/support, management, ‘treated with dignity’, value for money and overall standard. Across the board, reviewers displayed high levels of confidence in the company and it achieved an enviable overall rating of 9.8 out of 10.

One of the reviews of Home Instead reads: “Cannot praise highly enough, from the carers through to the office staff and management, they have done a superb job in matching carers to my partner, could not be better.”

Home Instead takes a unique, person-centred approach to home care, which benefits both clients and the team. Clients are supported to live as independently as possible, by caregivers that they come to know well and who visit for a minimum of an hour at a time.

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of homecare.co.uk, commented: “Good quality home care is essential as it enables people to stay living in their own homes and retain their independence, with their home care worker often becoming their friend and companion as well as their lifeline to the outside world. Home Instead Senior Care Chesterfield has shown that it provides high-quality care and we would like to congratulate it on being one of the top home care providers in the East Midlands!”

Home Instead provides a range of services including meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care and companionship. There are roles currently available for caregivers of all ages and backgrounds, who share a passion for care.

For more information about the services of Home Instead, or for a list of current vacancies, visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Grants available for enterprising groups in Derbyshire communities

16th September 2019

Enterprising groups across the county are cashing in with successful applications to the Derbyshire County Council Action Grants scheme to help with their activities.

In the latest round of grants, 138 groups have been awarded grants totalling £203,800 and there is still £921,200 left in the pot for the remaining 3 rounds.

Derbyshire County Council have now awarded Action Grants totalling £578,800 to 600 groups across Derbyshire in the first 5 rounds of the scheme since it launched in May 2018.

Community groups, clubs, charities and parish councils are being encouraged to apply for the sixth round which is open now up to a deadline of 30 September 2019. Successful applicants so far have been able to show they promoted one or more of the Action Grant themes:

youth activity – including setting up youth clubs, organising activities for young people, projects to help young people gain new skills or schemes to help them deal with mental health issues
community activity – such as setting up new community groups, organising a local event or starting a community project
physical activity and sport – money for schemes to encourage residents of all ages to take part in physical activities, keep fit and stay healthy – or which encourage people to get active if they’re not already
community safety – grants for projects to reduce crime and the fear of crime including raising awareness about scams and rogue trading, schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and initiatives to help residents keep themselves safe

Most of the grants are £500 but in the fifth round there were also a number of £5,000 and £10,000 grants available for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote 2 or more of the Action Grants themes. These larger grants will be available again in the final round of the scheme which closes on 30 May 2020.

Grants awarded in the latest round will fund activities including tackling anti-social behaviour and scams, sports training and facilities, theatre groups, choirs, music events, allotments, developing apps, art workshops, adventure activities for youth groups, counselling support, building refurbishment, equipment for community buildings, toddler groups, green schemes, clubs for older people and activities to support disabled people.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism Councillor Barry Lewis said: “I have seen for myself the results of our Action Grants in helping to support community initiatives and it’s good to see. The £500 grants may not seem a huge amount but on many occasions it’s been enough to get a project off the ground and it then becomes self-supporting.”

“In the first 16 months of our Action Grants over 600 groups have benefited which is great news and there’s another 8 months for the scheme to run. We’ve still got over £900,000 to help more projects and I hope we’ll continue to get plenty of applications.”

“If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire an Action Grant could be just the helping hand you need.”

“The process is quick and simple and if you apply now for the September deadline we’ll aim to give you a decision within four weeks.”

The deadline for the current sixth round of Action Grant applications is 30 September 2019. Groups which apply should hear if they have been successful within 4 weeks of the deadline.

More rounds will follow next year until the Action Grants scheme ends in May 2020.

Click here for more information or to apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Heathcotes Group appoints Head of Recruitment

14th September 2019

Chesterfield Champion, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Colin Ramwell as Head of Recruitment to support its specialist residential services nationwide.

Colin brings many years’ experience of delivering innovative talent acquisition strategies within the health and social care sector. Prior to joining Heathcotes, he was Group Recruitment Manager at Turning Point, a social enterprise providing health and social care services for people with complex needs. Colin has also worked as a Project Lead at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where he designed and implemented staffing strategy, and as Head of Recruitment at Cambian Group, a provider of services for people with autism, Asperger Syndrome, learning disabilities and complex needs.

Colin said:“I am very excited to have joined a forward-thinking organisation like Heathcotes Group. Ninety per cent of the senior management started out as care support workers, so they understand the value of investing in workforce development and nurturing career progression. Heathcotes funds all training and qualifications for entry-level staff at its services and many step up to management roles, so the company certainly provides the opportunities and long-term career prospects to attract and retain talented, caring and dedicated people.

He added: “Heathcotes’ person-centred care can have a transformative effect on service users, enabling them to progress from residential care to a more independent life, so staff have a real sense that they are making a lasting difference. That is another aspect of working life at Heathcotes which we need to highlight as a prospective employer for people seeking a satisfying and rewarding profession.”

Mikkel Togsverd, Managing Director of Heathcotes Southern, said: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to Heathcotes Group. He has a proven track record in recruitment and a wealth of experience of working within organisations that support individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The quality of our people has been fundamental to Heathcotes’ success and Colin will play a leading role in ensuring that we continue to attract candidates with the attributes and values required for the kind of life-changing work that we do.”

Colin will now be overseeing recruitment strategy and delivery for 66 Heathcotes services providing specialist residential care for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and associated challenging behaviours.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield Investment Summit 2019 hears how localised social media could be key to revitalising town’s high street

13th September 2019

With up to 74% of high street retailers not having an active social media presence, Polly Barnfield OBE, a member of the government’s High Street Task Force has urged Chesterfield’s shops and market traders to adopt social media and use it to deliver both improved footfall and sales on demand.

Speaking at the sell-out 2019 Chesterfield Investment Summit, Ms Barnfield, who has been named as one of the top 100 most influential women in technology, believes events and localised social media activity could be the key to revitalising and growing Chesterfield’s high street.

She said: “Social media is a resource that any business can use, and retailers should use this opportunity to engage with and understand their customers.”

“Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business. It’s not a question of a business being online or offline anymore – they must be both. There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years driven by social media. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV.”

However, she urged retailers not to just to focus on selling themselves on social media. “Engagement with the community around you is key. You can’t just sell your own product on social media if you want to be successful,” urged Ms Barnfield.

She advised: “Retailers should post on social media every day and talk to their audience not just about what is happening in their business but around them.”

Highlighting the power of social media on retail at the Investment Summit, it was revealed that ALTERIS, owner of the town’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, has successfully used the online platform Maybe* over the last six months to increase footfall by 29%.

ALTERIS bought Vicar Lane Shopping Centre out of administration earlier this year promising to create ‘a new town centre retail model for the post e-commerce world’.

Ms Barnfield was one of several speakers presenting at the annual Investment Summit which was held at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel.

Addressing future investment and development opportunities in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, the event was organised by Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Destination Chesterfield and Marketing Derby.

Speaking at the event Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, also revealed that the town had welcomed 330 business start-ups in the last 12 months.

He commented: “For Chesterfield to grow and survive it needs to be a place where people feel they can do business and do it successfully. This means ensuring we make the most of our competitive advantages in order to attract investment as well as optimise our current development opportunities including HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort. Our competitive advantages underpin our recently published Growth Strategy.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, highlighted the town’s successful public-private sector partnership approach to investment, commenting: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to grow.”

More than 200 people attended the 2019 Chesterfield Annual Summit. In addition to Polly Barnfield OBE and Huw Bowen, delegates also heard from Mark Warrilow, Skills Stakeholder Manager – Phase 2 (Skills Employment and Education) at HS2 Ltd; Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale at Derbyshire Country Council; Mark Jones, Head of Technical at Kier Living; Cllr Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Derbyshire County Council and David Higham, Commercial Director at Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group.

To keep up-to-date with investments and developments in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

East Midlands Chamber announces Derbyshire Business of the Year

10th September 2019

A specialist in the creation and re-use of digital information has won the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Derbyshire Business of the Year Award 2019.

Established in 2000, Derby-based Bloc Digital is split into four complementary disciplines of modelling, animation, development and web.

As a leader in the use of digital technology in industry, it produces innovative, immersive, digital solutions – Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), web and mobile – for many companies globally.

Receiving the award from Mazars, the headline sponsor of the Chamber’s Business Awards 2019, Bloc Digital Director Keith Cox said: “We entered the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards to gain recognition for what our team is doing.”

“We are so busy day to day that it is amazing to stop and see that people appreciate and acknowledge what we do. We are absolutely delighted to win this award.”

To qualify as a contender for the supreme accolade of Business of the Year, Bloc Digital had already won the Business Improvement through Technology award earlier in the evening.

The company was one of 13 to win an award on the night, as the Chamber celebrated the strength and successes of businesses across Derby and Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Champions the Chesterfield College Group were also among the winners, receiving the Education and Business Partnership Award. Chesterfield-based education initiative Made in Chesterfield was a runner up in the same category.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and sponsored by University of Derby. It is designed to bring together businesses, schools and training providers to showcase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers to future school leavers.

Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group and also Chesterfield Champions, sponsored the Apprentice of the Year category and fellow Chesterfield Champions The Accountancy Recruitment Group were finalists in the Excellence In Customer Service category.

Chamber President Kevin Harris said: “One of the main privileges of being Chamber President is being able to address and celebrate the crème de la crème of our region’s businesses at the Business Awards.”

“Taking part in the Chamber’s Business Awards, the only local awards to offer winners the chance to go on to compete on a regional and national stage at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards, encourages an organisation to look closely at what they do best.”

“Making it through to the final is cause for celebration in itself and whether you get that far or walk off with the ultimate crown, you should shout about that success and proclaim to the world that yours is one of the best businesses out there.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Fruit and vegetable changes on Chesterfield market

9th September 2019

Fruit and vegetables on Chesterfield market will soon be sold by one local business rather than two, following the confirmation of an amalgamation.

Ayres and Ibbotsons are two local traders who have served residents and visitors in Chesterfield for more than 80 years, but Ayres are soon to stop serving following discussions with both Chesterfield Borough Council and Ibbotsons.

Ibbotsons are going to take over the current Ayres stand on the market as the two businesses amalgamate.

From 9 September, Ibbotsons will be trading six days per week on the market on a larger stall.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Although it is always sad to see a trader disappear from Chesterfield market, and particularly one that has traded for so many years, I am pleased that Ayres and Ibbotsons have worked with the council to come up with the best solution for all involved.”

Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s fruit and veg stall, explained: “This is a very proud occasion for us as a local business. We will continue to stand six days per week and will now have a permanent stall opposite Marks & Spencer in Chesterfield.

“We are going to be continuing the longevity of our business standing on the market by having a bigger stall and having a new and improved offer for our customers. We will be stocking some extra lines and are looking forward to what the future holds.”

David Mills from Ayres said: “Ayres see this as a positive move going forward, consolidating both businesses onto one pitch. We are excited about the move and are looking forward to developing the business with Ibbotsons. We both feel this will strengthen the business and ensure continuity going forward which will benefit our customers, staff and the town centre as a whole.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Staveley to benefit from £3.6 billion Towns Fund

6th September 2019

Staveley and Clay Cross are 2 of the 100 places invited to develop proposals for a new generation of multi-million-pound Town Deals which have today (6 September 2019) been announced by Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP.

The towns eligible for support from the £3.6 billion Towns Fund include places with proud industrial and economic heritage but have not always benefitted from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas.

Communities, businesses and local leaders will now join forces to draw up ambitious plans to transform their town’s economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.

A total of 42 places across the Northern Powerhouse and 33 places in the Midlands Engine are among the 100 pioneers of new Town Deals as part of the government’s commitment to level up all regions by boosting productivity, skills and living standards.

Local Government Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, said:

“Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities, is at the heart of the mission of this government.

We want to level-up our great towns, raising living standards and ensuring they can thrive with transformative investment in transport, technology, skills and culture.

I will now work with local people from the 100 communities announced today to agree proposals to invest up to £25 million in each place. I hope these deals will provide the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal ensuring each town can look to the future with a new optimism.”

The government will soon publish a prospectus to guide towns through the process and set eligibility criteria for funding.

Once approved, new Town Deals will improve connectivity, provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and boost growth – with communities having a say on how the money is spent.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development