Business

Ashgate Road land earmarked for housing development

29th June 2015

A 1.5 acre site at Ashgate Road is being put up for sale by Chesterfield Borough Council to be turned into a housing development.

The land, which has been designated for houses since the mid-1990s, consists of a large car park and buildings.

The council has a requirement to build 380 new homes each year and currently has a backlog of 800 homes to be built in addition to these.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The land at Ashgate Road has been identified for housing development for nearly 20 years and was only ever intended to be used as a car park on an interim basis until the land was sold for development.

“We have a range of parking options available around the town with spare capacity to suit regular commuters who want to park near the town centre.

“It will be at least six to nine months before the car park is sold and until that time Ashgate Road will continue to operate as a car park. Users will be given plenty of notice before it is closed and made aware of alternative car parking arrangements.”

The council will use the period before the sale to look at whether it is possible to have a £1 a day car park site in the town centre area.

Monthly parking savers are also available for £20 per month at the West Street or Queen’s Park Annexe car parks, equivalent to £2 each day.

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

Tripadvisor accolade for Chesterfield Museum

29th June 2015

Chesterfield Museum has received a Certificate of Excellence award from online review site, tripadvisor.

Owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council, the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate, was given a certificate of excellence after receiving positive reviews from visitors.

The museum has a loyal fan base with more than 800 adults and children going along to its recent Lego Day event which saw children colouring Lego figurines, decorating Lego biscuits as well as making creations from Lego.

The current Down the Track exhibition, which runs until 18 July and showcases Chesterfield’s railway history, has also proved popular with thousands of people looking it up on social media.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Museum proves to be a popular attraction with visitors old and young and this award is proof of this.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come along, enjoyed themselves and left positive feedback.”

The museum is also encouraging visitors to show why they enjoy coming to the attraction as part of the I Love Museums campaign led by the National Museum Directors’ Council.

People can visit the I Love Museums website at www.ilovemuseums.com where they can say why their local museum means so much to them as well as share photos showing their love of museums.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

(Image shows Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Become a sports journalist for a day at Proact Stadium

29th June 2015

A pioneering sports media workshop is being held for budding reporters at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium this July.

Aimed at youngsters who are considering a career in the media, the one-day programme will feature sessions on writing and interviewing skills, together with commentary. A mock press conference will also be held, providing those taking part with an opportunity to interview a personality from the club.

Participants will be presented with a certificate of attendance at half-time in a match at the Proact and a DVD featuring their commentary on a goal.

The workshop has been devised by Chesterfield’s head of media & communications, Nick Johnson, who has worked as a journalist/broadcaster for over 20 years. He is the longest-serving reporter on Sky Sports’ popular Soccer Saturday show – covering around 750 matches – and also works on a freelance basis for various other leading media organisations including Reuters and Press Association Sport.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Johnson said: “Having spoken to a number of pupils who have expressed interest in a career in the media, I came up with the idea of a workshop aimed at giving youngsters a better understanding of the skills required to work in the industry.
“I feel very fortunate to have earned a living from doing something I love and I am looking forward to passing on some of my knowledge and experience to others. It will be an intensive programme, with plenty of practical advice provided, so places are strictly limited.”

The Sports Media Workshop takes place at The Hub at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on 30th July. To find out more please email nickjohnson@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in Business, Summer, Visiting

Ibbotson’s wins top award at 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

25th June 2015

One of Chesterfield’s oldest businesses, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Retail Awards (24 June 2015), organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited.

Established in 1945 Ibbotson’s is, this year, celebrating its 70^th year of trading. As well as being a regular sight on the market it has recently diversified into online ordering which has widened its customer base by bringing Chesterfield’s market to those who are unable to come into town or are at work during opening hours.

As well as Retailer of the Year, Ibbotson’s also scooped the title of Market Trader of the Year at the annual awards. Owner Nick Ibbotson said: ““I can’t believe that we have won two awards and it is particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. It’s amazing to have beaten all the big stores and other independent retailers. We’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield for more than 70 years. It’s been a long time coming.”

Ibbotson’s was one of 13 winners of a total of 16 awards recognising the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town. Other multiple award winners include Adorn Jewellers and Debenhams who each triumphed in two categories.

This year’s awards received more than 600 nominations for businesses from the public resulting in 32 finalists, of which 20 were first time finalists. Six businesses returned to defend their crowns from last year’s event including Pelican Cycles, which successfully retained its titles of Leisure Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year

Held at the Winding Wheel, the sell-out ceremony was hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo James Summers and Becky Measures.

The winners were selected from 36 finalists, competing for the title of the very best in their respective categories.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Cabinet Member for the Town Centre and Visitor Economy, Amanda Serjeant, said: “Across Chesterfield we are privileged to have a great range of independent stores in the Shambles and the Yards in the Town Centre, along Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor as well as our market and popular high street stores. It is this mix of retailers that makes our town so popular and keeps shoppers, both locally and further afield, coming back for more.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. The Retail Awards recognised and celebrated the efforts and success of retailers across the town.”

Other supporters of the awards included eBusiness Works, Derbyshire Times and Peak FM.

Find out more about the winners of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

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

Chesterfield claimant count falls again as East Midlands drives the UK Economy

17th June 2015

The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield continues to fall.

In May there were 1274 people out of work and claiming the benefit in Chesterfield compared with 1312 in April and 1840 a year ago.

The number of people aged 16-64 in work across the East Midlands for the three months to April 2015 increased by 4,635 to 2,268,398 from 2,263,763 for the same period the previous year.

The number of people unemployed in the region for the same periods dropped from 139,034 to 114,274, a fall of 24,760.

In Derbyshire the number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants fell from 6,870 in April to 6,434 in May, a drop of 436. The year-on-year fall was 3,179.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “The latest figures are welcome and prove once again that businesses in the East Midlands continue to power the economy.

“It’s also encouraging to see another period of wages rising above inflation, particularly given that inflation itself has started to rise.

“Boosting productivity is the key to sustaining increased pay. While the employment rate has shown a healthy increase over the past two years, it is not being matched by an increase in productivity.

“While UK growth is likely to remain dependent on the services sector, manufacturing remains a vital sector for innovation and productivity.

“Given this region’s strengths in manufacturing, supporting manufacturers – and in particular, encouraging more firms to explore international markets – should be an area of major focus for the new Government if it is to achieve its ambition to make the Midlands the ‘Engine of Growth’ for the UK’s economy.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Future jobs in pipeline at Markham Vale as Gould Alloys prepares for opening

16th June 2015

Metal distributor Gould Alloys has become the latest business to get the keys to a new premises at Markham Vale.

Gould Alloys will be moving from its current base at Carwood Industrial Park in Chesterfield to a new purpose-built warehouse and distribution centre at the flagship regeneration site to benefit from better transport links located just off Junction 29A of the M1.

Sixty-two existing employees will move to the new 50,000 square feet premises and the company is looking to expand over the next few years bringing more jobs to Markham.

Managing Director at Gould Alloys, Jane Bradshaw said:

“We’re really excited to open our new base at Markham Vale.

“We’re moving to the site to benefit from better transport links and bigger premises with the aim of attracting more business to our company − which could lead to further jobs being created in the future.

“The relocation has future-proofed our business and we’re pleased to be part of Markham’s growing network.”

Work began in September last year to build the premises which includes office space, features solar panels and has energy efficient heating.

The company was established in 1984 and distributes metals to a number of industries including defence, medical, scientific, exploration and production, motor sport and power generation and is a key supplier to the aerospace industry where it delivers ‘first stage’ machining.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s leader and cabinet member for strategic policy, economic development and budget, said:

“It’s great that Chesterfield-based companies continue to choose Markham Vale to relocate to instead of moving outside Derbyshire.

“With bigger premises and better transport links, the company aim to attract more businesses which could lead to jobs being created in the future.”

Gould Alloy’s new base was designed and built by private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s regional director, added:

“We are delighted that Gould Alloys are moving to Markham Vale.

“The interest generated and current activity here at Markham Vale is exceptional. We have recently welcomed Inspirepac, AW Repair Group, Euro Garages, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg, with existing occupiers including Andrew Page and Industrial Ancillaries.

“In addition, we’re also underway with a new building for Meter Provida which will be ready at the end of 2015.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Sell-out 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards bigger and better than ever before

15th June 2015

More than 140 people will witness this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards winners being crowned at the sell-out award ceremony on Wednesday 24 June.

Following last year’s runaway success, the ceremony has moved to a bigger venue and organiser Destination Chesterfield has, once again, witnessed unprecedented demand.

This year, the Chesterfield Retail Awards is being held at the Winding Wheel, where the ceremony will be hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo Becky Measures and James Summers.

James and Becky commented: “We’re honoured and privileged to be hosting the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards. We thinks it’s absolutely brilliant for the town. There’s a real buzz about the town and everyone is talking about it. A massive well down to all the finalists.”

At the awards, 36 Chesterfield retailers will battle it out to be named the very best in their respective categories. The 16 categories recognise the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town.

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

This year, the awards are hosting an additional category – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Retailer of the Year Award, which will name town’s favourite retailer based on Vicar Lane and Steeplegate in the town centre and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Other supporters of the awards include eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

You can keep up-to-date with the awards on Twitter, instagram and facebook by using the hashtag #retailawards15.

To find out more about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Sponsor announced for Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

13th June 2015

Chesterfield Champion, Autoworld, Chesterfield, has become the official sponsor of this summer’s Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, held in association with Chesterfield Borough Council at Queen’s Park

Autoworld, one of the leading new and used car dealerships in Derbyshire, have thrown its support behind the six-day festival, which starts on Sunday 5 July and includes NatWest T20 Blast clashes against Northants Steelbacks and local rivals Yorkshire Vikings, and a LV= County Championship fixture versus Glamorgan.

The Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket – will represent the third successive year that title sponsorship has been attributed to a commercial partner for the annual event, which is celebrating its tenth successive year since its return in 2006.

Tony Cordin, Autoworld Managing Director said: “It’s exciting for us, as a local dealership, to be affiliated with the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which is one of the highlights of the summer sporting calendar in the area.

“We will have a selection of our cars at the six-day long festival including the new Volvo XC90, a luxury seven-seater 4×4, which is available to view and test drive from our dealership in Chesterfield.

“We are very much looking forward to an entertaining week of summer sporting entertainment.”

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “We are delighted to have Autoworld as our principal festival sponsors for what is our tenth successive year back at Queen’s Park.

“The Chesterfield Festival is always one of the highlights of the summer and we are looking forward to another fantastic week of cricket.”

Find out more about the Festival and how to book tickets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Summer, Visiting

Double award win for Chesterfield restaurant

11th June 2015

Chesterfield Champions, The Tickled Trout picked up two awards at the Westside Magazine Restaurant Awards 2015.

Tom Alberts, sous chef at the tickled trout won Young Chef of the Year and the Westside Magazine readers voted the venue the Readers’ Choice Restaurant of the Year.

Chris Mapp said “I am immensely proud of my team and what we have achieved in 10 months. I am very lucky to have such talented young people working for me and we all enjoy what we do because we are more than just a team but a family. We all have the same goals to make our valued customers happy and make sure that have a lovely experience with us.”

The Tickled Trout is independently owned by Chef Chris Mapp and nestled in the idyllic Derbyshire village of Barlow. The team has transformed the former run-down country drinking hole into the award winning dining pub. The food has an Italian influence and wherever possible the ingredients are sourced locally.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Manufacturing companies urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield

10th June 2015

Engineering and manufacturing companies in Chesterfield and north east Derbyshire are being called on to make a difference to the future of young people and get involved with Made in Chesterfield taking place in November later this year.

Festival organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging companies to put themselves forward and get involved with the school and business events that will be taking place throughout the month.

This year Made in Chesterfield has been extended from a week to a month, providing even more opportunity for the town’s manufacturing and engineering companies to ignite career interest in the sector from young people.

Last year a number of companies took part in the first ever Made in Chesterfield which took place over a week in November. United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company, Kingfield Electronics, FieldCandy, and Magnifica Technologies Ltd, offering tours of their facilities, competitions, events and workshops with schools and students.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Last year Ivan’s company took an active role in Made in Chesterfield Week and invited a number of schools to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

If your company would like to get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

New jobs created at Chesterfield Accountants

9th June 2015

Chesterfield Champion Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers is set to create five new jobs after a period of impressive growth.

Mitchells, which is based on Saltergate in Chesterfield, has reported a rise in turnover in recent years with an underlying year-on-year increase of more than 10 per cent. It is also reporting a volume of new clients in the last three months, unlike anything it has experienced since 2008.

Growth, since the beginning of the year, has been unprecedented for the firm. It is reporting more than 300% growth in transactional financial due diligence assignments, which is attributed, in part, to the end of the recession and business owners being ready to move to the next level, either selling or growing their business.

Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells, explained: “For a long time we have always believed that Accountants cannot simply be bean counters, businesses want advice. We are seeing a lot of new clients who are coming to us out of frustration. They want to move their business to the next level but don’t know how. We can give that practical help by structuring deals or accessing finance or grants on their behalf enabling them to invest in equipment or technology which can enable growth.”

Mitchells is involved in financial due diligence in respect of share purchases/sales, asset purchases/sales and grants as well as share valuations and expert witness work, acting for both buyers and sellers in these transactions. In 2015 the firm completed the same number of transactions in a three month period than it would ordinarily undertake in a year.

Andrew explained the growth in this area: “Coming out of the recession many businesses have found themselves at a crossroads. They might have been poised for sale prior to the recession and that impacted on the value of the business and then the lack of available finance reduced buyers in the marketplace. Now banks and other finance providers are lending again and business owners are ready to push ahead with the plans they may have had before the recession.”

The Mitchells business model has always involved budgeting to have over-capacity in terms of staffing hours. This, together with its use of award winning technology to improve business performance, ensures the firm continues to provide a quality service to clients.

To meet increased client demand, the firm will be employing a further three qualified accountants, an undergraduate placement and an AAT apprentice position by the end of 2015, who will join the 35-strong team.

Andrew said: “It may be a bold statement, but I believe that businesses have never had it so good. There are a myriad of financial incentives in the marketplace right now and I encourage many of our clients, who are focussed on growth, to consider taking advantage of the low interest rates, low inflation, government schemes to encourage apprenticeships, employer allowances and grant funding.”

Posted in Business