Business

Champions show support for Chesterfield community with latest initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield continue to get involved in supporting the local community with a range of initiatives to support people across the area.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “Chesterfield Champions are proud to support our vibrant community, and it is great to see businesses playing their part to help others through a wide range of initiatives.

“Our town is a great place to work and live, and one of the main things that makes Chesterfield unique is the closeness of its community.

“It is great to see Champions continuing this trend by supporting local people and charities, alongside raising the profile of our area.”

Find out more about how our organisations are working to improve the lives of our residents and strengthen ties with our charities, voluntary organisations and wider community in our latest roundup below.

Spire Radio relaunches ‘Chesterfield Chat’ show to celebrate the town

Spire Radio Jordan and Eva

Spire Radio has announced the relaunch of its community centred local show, Chesterfield Chat. The program returns now hosted by Jordan Hartshorne and produced by Eva Charkiewicz who are both passionate about celebrating the heart and soul of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Chat provides a platform for local businesses, community groups, charities, and artists to connect with listeners and share their stories.

The relaunched show promises to build on this tradition while offering a fresh perspective and engaging format. Listeners can also expect lively discussions on local news and upcoming events that matter most to the people of Chesterfield.

Each week, Chesterfield Chat will feature a dynamic mix of guests, including:

  • Local business owners discussing their latest ventures and experiences of trading in Chesterfield.
  • Representatives from community groups and charities sharing their important work and fundraising efforts.
  • Local artists, musicians, and performers showcasing their talents, with some liver performances.
  • A roundup of the mustn’t-miss events around Chesterfield in the week ahead.

Spire Radio welcomes all members of the community to tune in to Chesterfield Chat every Tuesday evening at 6pm. Listen live on spire-radio.com, on the TuneIn Apps for iPhone, Android and Smart TV or Ask Alexa to Play Spire Radio from TuneIn.

Whether you’re a local business owner, a charity worker, or simply a resident who loves your town, Chesterfield Chat is a platform for your voice to be heard. For more information about Chesterfield Chat or if you’d like to feature on the show, email eva@spire-radio.com or message the station on Instagram.

DBCP to sponsor popular Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival promotional photo - three people holding up banner

DBCP is sponsoring this year’s Chesterfield Children’s Festival –a free family event organised by local charity Junction Arts.

The Junction Arts event is funded by Arts Council England and was launched in 2023, attracting over 8,000 visitors.  The two-day festival celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play and features free cultural activities and entertainment for children of all ages to enjoy.

This year, the event will be held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of July in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.  New acts for 2024 include an immersive live movie set experience, an interactive family catwalk show, virtual reality swings, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!   There’ll also be art workshops, circus skills, storytelling, live music, face painting, theatre, and dance.

Chesterfield-based DBCP, which is the recommended provider of building control services in Derbyshire, Is the headline sponsor at the event, donating £4,000 to the charity.  The extra funds will go towards an arts commission that will see musicians and storytellers work with local young people to create a new piece of music that will be performed at the festival.

Junction Arts Coordinator Jemma Burton said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to DBCP and welcome them as sponsors of this year’s Children’s Festival.  Junction Arts is a charity, we rely on corporate donations and sponsorship to ensure that our events and festivals are free and accessible to as many people as possible, this generous support from DBCP helps us to widen our reach and allows the festival to have much more impact in the community.”

Looking forward to the event David Pratt, DBCP’s Building Control Manager, said: “We are delighted to sponsor Chesterfield Children’s Festival this year. Many of the DBCP team and their families live in and around the area, so for us to be involved with this fantastic event in our community gives us all a real feeling of pride.”

For more information about the Chesterfield Children’s Festival visit: junctionarts.org.

Popular TV and comedy star launches new series of Ashgate Hospice grief podcast

ED BYRNE image stood against a wall smiling

Image by Roslyn Gaunt

Television and comedy star Ed Byrne recently appeared in the newest series of Ashgate Hospice’s podcast, which explores frank and honest conversations about life, death and grief.

Ed, known for appearing on panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and his stand-up comedy, was interviewed for the first episode of The Life and Death Podcast.

It comes amidst the world tour of his show Tragedy Plus Time, inspired by the bereavement he faced following the death of his younger brother.

Ed sat down with podcast host Stephen Rumford ahead of his show in Buxton to discuss his career, his brother’s life and the success of the critically acclaimed show.

The first episode of the fifth series, featuring Ed, launched on 6th May as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week.

Episodes featuring other death and grief experts and commentators will go live every fortnight.

Stephen Rumford, host of The Life and Death Podcast and Senior Physiotherapist at Ashgate Hospice, said: “I don’t think we could have imagined that when we started back in 2020, we’d go on to launch five series of the podcast.

“This time, we’ve expanded our range topics and guests, and our six latest guests are a wonderful addition to the growing resource that the podcast represents.

“From a candid conversation with Ed Byrne to an insightful discussion with TikTok’s ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’, we have a wide range of guests offering differing expertise. You’re sure to learn something new with each episode.

“We hope the podcast provides a useful resource to anyone who is bereaved and people who might be curious about the subject.

“I hope all of our listeners enjoy the considered opinions of our guests as they share their unique experiences with us.”

In the podcast seasons so far, Stephen speaks with writers, doctors and people who have experienced end of life care to discuss their unique relationships, hospice life, and how death affects the living.

In the latest series, Dr. Katie Lawlor, an animal bereavement expert and pet loss psychologist based in San Francisco, California, joins as one of the guests.

She was training to be a clinical psychologist before she realised there was very little, if any, support networks for people suffering following the death of a pet.

Others include Dr Julie McFadden, known to millions on social media as ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’; she cares for palliative and end of life patients and uses TikTok to address some of death’s biggest misconceptions.

The Natural Death Centre’s Josefine Speyer, author of Modern Loss, Rebeca Soffer, and renowned philosopher Simon Critchley will also feature in the new season.

Episodes will be released on Mondays every fortnight from 6th May! You can listen to episodes from all five series of The Life and Death Podcast online or by searching for ‘Ashgate Hospice’ on all streaming platforms.

Veezu supports Cash for Kids charity

eezu supports Cash for Kids’ Holiday Hunger appeal - group of people holding large cheque

Veezu, a private hire operator covering Chesterfield and South Yorkshire, has donated £500 to the local arm of Cash for Kids in support of Cash for Kids Day on 2 May.

The donation was made through Funded by Veezu, an initiative in which local charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness, and those with additional needs. Based across 22 areas in the UK, Cash for Kids is a grant giving charity that helps community groups, charitable organisations, schools and individual cases. The latest figures from the End Child Poverty Coalition show that 1 in 3 local children are living in poverty and, in some areas, it is as high as 36%.

2 May marked Cash for Kids Day, where organisations came together to raise as much as possible for the cause, with a particular focus on combating holiday hunger to make sure all children have access to a hot meal during the holidays.

Veezu has donated £500 from its regional areas of Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Portsmouth, bringing the total donation to £3000. According to statistics given by Cash for Kids, it’s predicted that £3000 will help 60 children in need.

Lisa Sullivan, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids North, West and South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, said: “We are so grateful to Veezu for supporting us across the UK in six regions for Cash for Kids Day. For the passengers of Veezu, they can feel confident in their choice, as they will be helping disadvantaged children access activities and food during the school holidays. For many children it will be their only daily meal. The generosity of companies like Veezu, as well as donations from the general public, help us help children that need it the most.”

Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Cash for Kids once again. All children deserve access to a hot meal, whether it’s the holidays or not, and we are glad to donate what we can and make a difference to children living in poverty.”

BusinessWise Accountancy & Tax welcomes Brookfield School pupil for work experience

oliver businesswise work experience

A Chesterfield business has continued its commitment towards supporting our young people with careers, by hosting a pupil for a week of work experience.

BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax welcomed Oliver to their organisation for a week of hands-on learning about what a career in Chesterfield’s financial sector would look like.

Looking for skills support in Chesterfield for your business? Go to our Skills and Training page to find out more.

The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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Support leads to unique Chesterfield wedding business winning major awards

A unique Chesterfield wedding content creator, which received support from a business start-up scheme has gone on to scoop a prestigious award.

The Relaxed Bride is a modern content creator service, which provides a contemporary approach towards capturing weddings and other promotional events.

Owner, Chloe Ryans-Docherty spotted a potential niche in the wedding market, and decided to launch her business with the support of the Vision Derbyshire business start-up support initiative.

She explained how the decision to launch her own business came about: “It all began when I first noticed a trend emerging in the US and Australia on TIKTOK, which sparked an idea: why not bring this concept to the UK? After further research, I discovered that while the trend was in its infancy here, there were already a few established brands offering this.

“Attending my first wedding alongside the photographer who had captured my own special day, Jo Greenfield I realized the potential to carve out a niche in the market. Since then, my journey has been nothing short of remarkable, surpassing my expectations in terms of growth and impact.

“What sets me apart from other wedding content creators is my subtle approach. While many rely heavily on social media trends and transitions, I much prefer to remain behind the scenes, capturing the raw, authentic moments that unfold between the scripted ones on my iPhone.

Chloe said the support she received from Vision Derbyshire played a key role in launching and growing the business: “The support and guidance I’ve received from Vision Derbyshire over the past six months have been invaluable. Initially recommended to me by a friend and fellow wedding supplier, the program has been instrumental in helping me navigate the journey of starting my own business.

“With no prior experience in entrepreneurship, I needed direction, and Sara Martin from Vision Derbyshire has been amazing. Patiently guiding me through essential aspects and breaking down complex concepts, Sara helped me create a cash-flow plan that I could comprehend and follow for future — considering maths was never my forte in school!”

Since going from strength-to-strength, The Relaxed Bride has recieved a videography award from the Hitched Wedding Awards. The business had been on the Hitched directory, and the organisation recognised Chloe’s business following a long list of positive reviews.

Chloe added: “Little did I know that these reviews were being closely monitored by Hitched themselves. It came as a complete surprise when, in February, I was honoured with an award from them. This award has reaffirmed my commitment to providing exceptional service and fuelled my passion even further!”

The Relaxed Bride has also been recognised with a ‘Best International Innovator’ award for the inaugural 2024 Loverly List – another scheme aimed at recognising top businesses in the wedding sector.

Speaking about running her business in Chesterfield, Chloe commented: “Chesterfield is a small town but holds a unique advantage with access to nearby cities like Derby, Sheffield, and Nottingham, all within an hour’s reach. Despite its size, Chesterfield has always been my home, and I can’t imagine ever leaving. I’ve always been a homebody at heart.

“I have worked with so many talented wedding suppliers right here in Chesterfield, what’s even more exciting has been the hidden gems of wedding venues that I never knew existed around me!

“To anyone considering starting a business in the area, my advice is simple: just go for it! Chesterfield has seen significant development recently, with numerous new office spaces springing up in the town centre. It’s about taking that leap of faith and trusting in your vision!

Find out more about The Relaxed Bride on the Hitched website here or at https://www.the-relaxedbride.com/

Find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield here, and for more information on support available to local organisations, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Photo of female content creator taking photo of bride on smartphone

 

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More than 1,100 businesses engaged so far with Accelerator business support

A growing number of businesses in the East Midlands are benefitting from tailored business support, thanks to the Accelerator project.

Evaluation of the project’s performance at its halfway point has identified over 1,100 businesses that have been engaged and are working with a business adviser to boost their growth.

The project, which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), was established in the autumn and is being delivered by East Midlands Chamber in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester.
Alongside one-to-one support from a business adviser, the project has so far also delivered the following:

• 102 growth vouchers up to the value of £2,000 to help businesses access tailored, 1-2-1 consultancy support to introduce digital technology and green measures.
• 300 workshops and webinars successfully attracting over 7,000 delegates.
• 50 energy saving and improvement audit approvals to help businesses create an action plan to save money.

Businesses signing up to the project have also been introduced to the wealth of additional support available from other regional and national sources. For innovative SMEs, this includes growth and scale-up support from Innovate UK Business Growth. Manufacturing micro and small businesses can also benefit from Made Smarter support on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies.

East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said:

“From our launch events onwards, we’ve listened to what businesses want in terms of what, where, when and how they would like to access Accelerator support.

“Chamber and D2N2 Growth Hub support is undoubtedly at its best when businesses are given a helping hand to apply for support from other sources, including grant funding and pitching for investor support.

“The Accelerator project has some challenging targets including the creation and safeguarding of jobs, creating new enterprises, accessing new technologies or processes and engagement in knowledge transfer activity. We’re certainly on the right trajectory to achieve that and for any business yet to sign up, I would urge them to seize the opportunity before the project ends in March of next year.”

Learn more about the Chesterfield accelerator scheme and other initiatives available to support businesses in the town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Chesterfield Accelerator

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New Chesterfield Town Board launched to drive almost £20m investment in the town

Plans to invest almost £20m in Chesterfield over the next decade have taken a major step forward, with the launch of a new independent board which will oversee how and where the funding is spent.

Local business leader Dominic Staniforth has been appointed to chair the new Chesterfield Town Board – sitting alongside representatives from other local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and the public sector, including representation from Chesterfield Borough Council.

It follows the Government’s ‘Long-Term Plan for Towns’ announcement in October last year, which named Chesterfield as one of 55 UK towns to benefit from the new funding initiative – which aims to give local communities a greater voice in shaping improvements across the town.

Board members have now held their first formal meeting where it was agreed to run a public consultation exercise in June, giving local people the chance to have their say on how the money should be invested.

In line with Government guidance, a representative of Chesterfield Borough Council sits on the board, and the authority will also act as the board’s accountable body.  However, all decisions about how the £19.5m worth of endowment-style funding is invested will be made by the Chesterfield Town Board, in consultation with local people.

Dominic Staniforth is a Partner at BHP LLP Chartered Accountants – which has a base at One Waterside Place – and has been an active part of Chesterfield’s business community for many years. Speaking in his role as Chair of the Board, he said: “Chesterfield is already a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – and this funding will further bolster our ability to deliver on that collective ambition.

Dominic Staniforth BHP

Dominic Staniforth, BHP LLP Chartered Accountants

“I am honoured to have been invited to become Chair of the new Chesterfield Town Board and it’s fantastic that leaders from across the town, and the council, have already begun work to identify how and where this funding could make the greatest impact for local residents and businesses.

“Listening to the views of local people and understanding where they think this investment could make the biggest difference is at the heart of this work and we will be sharing more information about how to get involved in the coming weeks.”

Working closely with the council, the Board will now oversee the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan – to be developed following consultation with local people, and based on what they see as priority areas for investment. This must be submitted to the Government for approval later this summer.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “We have really strong and innovative business and community networks here in Chesterfield and this is again another great opportunity to bring people together – backed by millions of pounds worth of funding – to deliver projects which will make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives over the next 10 years.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dominic to the role of Chair, as a local business leader with extensive experience of the area, and a shared passion and commitment to make the town of Chesterfield thrive for generations to come.”

In line with Government guidance, the funding must be spent across three key themes, which include:

  • Safety and security – to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
  • High streets, heritage, and regeneration – making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses, and visitors.
  • Transport and connectivity – improving access to the town centre, supporting greener modes of travel and enhancing public transport options.

More information about the Chesterfield Town Board and how people can get involved in shaping its future plans will be shared soon.

View of the Crooked Spire from above

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

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Early stage businesses in Chesterfield to receive support from new funding

A new support fund for businesses which have been trading in our region for between 6-24 months has been officially launched.

D2N2 LEP Chair, Elizabeth Fagan announced the launch of D2N2 LEP’s Early Stage Angel Investment Fund at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds this week.

Speaking at the interactive panel session ‘Focus on the East Midlands, our Time is Now’, alongside East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, Elizabeth said:

“I’m delighted to announce today that we are launching our Early Stage Angel Investment Fund here in Leeds at UKREiiF. The purpose of the Fund is to stimulate investment and growth in ‘early stage’ companies – those that have been trading between six and 24 months – that are based in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire (the D2N2 region).

“D2N2 LEP is contributing £4 million to the Fund and this will be match-funded by our investment fund manager, Haatch. Our aim is that over the longer term, these funds will be re-invested in the programme, to catalyse investment and growth for further early stage companies.”

The partnership aims to drive economic growth by investing in emerging startups and entrepreneurial talent in the region.

D2N2 LEP is a leading force in driving economic growth and job creation in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Haatch, is a leading venture capital firm known for its entrepreneurial roots and commitment to fostering innovation outside of London.

Over the next two years, the Haatch D2N2 ESAIF will invest in approximately 13 companies providing a significant step forward in unlocking the potential of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire’s startup ecosystem and driving sustainable economic growth.

Further information about the Fund, visit https://haatch.com/investors/haatch-d2n2-esaif/

Delegates representing Destination Chesterfield and the town’s Property and Construction Group also attended the event in Leeds. Read our recent blog from Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dom Stevens reflecting on the success of the event.

For more information about the current business support on offer to businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

D2N2 LEP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Forum at UKREiiF

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Relocation to Elder Way a recipe for success for Bottle &Thyme

Chesterfield’s award-winning bar and restaurant, Bottle & Thyme, is expanding to bigger premises in the town centre later this year.

The family-owned and run business will relocate from its current premises on Knifesmithgate, where it has been based since 2017, to the flagship corner unit in the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

The owner of Elder Way, Jomast, has agreed a 10-year lease on the 3,153 sq ft unit which also boasts an outdoor courtyard. The lease signing follows hot on the heels of the opening of Hotpod Yoga in Unit 7 of the prominent Elder Way regeneration scheme last month (April).

Bottle & Thyme is expected to relocate to the new site in August which will be triple the size of its current premises directly opposite Elder Way. Additional jobs will also be created at the business following the move.

In addition to the Elder Way unit, Bottle & Thyme owners Gavin and Hannah Grainger will also be retaining the Knifesmithgate premises following the move and have plans to develop it later in the year.

Excited to make the move, Gavin and Hannah said: “The new unit hugely increases the amount of space we currently have and gives us the opportunity to have separate areas for the bar, restaurant, and private functions, as well as outdoor space for dining and drinking.

“Chesterfield town centre does not have the type of venue that we will be creating at Elder Way. It’s a very exciting time. Having been based opposite Elder Way for seven years, we already know the location works well so to be able to move across the road into larger premises is excellent for us. I see what we are creating at Elder Way as a first step in our vision of a new leisure quarter for the town.”

Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director said: “I am delighted that Bottle & Thyme will become part of Elder Way. Hannah and Gavin share our vision to create a premier leisure and hospitality quarter in the heart of Chesterfield. Alongside Hotpod Yoga and Premier Inn our vision is coming to life and we are talking to a number of future potential tenants for this prestigious site.”

Work is now underway to transform both the frontage and interior of the unit as well as festoon light the outdoor courtyard area. Gavin added: “Although much larger, it’s important to us that we keep the feel of a smaller venue at Elder Way. We have many longstanding customers and we’re delighted the additional space means we will now be able to offer them everything we want to, as well as be dog friendly.”

The new private function area, known as The Glass Room, will cater for functions of up to 30 guests, Hannah explained: “Being located a short walk from the town hall, there is high demand for micro weddings. Word has already spread that we will be able to offer event space in the new unit at Elder Way and we have had a number of bookings.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this family-run business go from strength to strength – building up a great following in the heart of Chesterfield, and now expanding into new, bigger premises on Elder Way, and expanding the size of their team. We wish Gavin and Hannah all the best in their new base – and also with their future plans for their existing building on Knifesmithgate.

“This is the second business to relocate to the redeveloped former Co-op building in recent months, and it’s great to see the momentum now building in this part of town. We look forward to welcoming more businesses to Elder Way in the future.

“It’s a fantastic and attractive town centre location, with the council’s recent investment elevating the space to create as key gateway into the heart of our historic town. This will link through to wider improvements across the town centre which are due to start in the summer, as part of our multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme which will create more welcoming and better connected to spaces in which to shop, socialise and enjoy local events.”

In addition to the transformation of the former Co-op department store into seven street-level units and a Premier Inn by Jomast, the area has been further boosted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s £1 million public realm improvement scheme.

In addition to the public realm improvements, Bottle & Thyme’s location on Knifesmithgate has enabled the business to benefit from the Premier Inn hotel located at Elder Way. Hannah added: “Some guests enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with us, with many returning to Bottle & Thyme every time they stay at the hotel. We’ve got to know many guests well over the years. The opening of Premier Inn on Elder Way in 2019 has and continues to make a positive impact on our business.”

Five units now remain available at Elder Way, with joint agents WSB Property and FHP reporting strong interest from a number of operators.

For enquiries or further information about the units, visit www.elderway.co.uk

For information and menus, visit  www.bottleandthyme.co.uk 

Planning to visit Chesterfield? Make the most of your trip by heading over to our visiting and events pages. 

For more information on locating your business in Chesterfield Town Centre, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Gavin and Hannah Grainger outside Elder Way

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Hartington Business Park fully let as Capital Angling Limited agree on-site expansion

Devonshire Property Group, part of the portfolio of Devonshire Group businesses, is celebrating full occupancy at its Hartington Business Park scheme in Staveley this week.

Capital Angling Limited, an existing tenant at the site, has agreed to take on a further 2,465 sq ft to support its expanding e-commerce operations.

The business, which provides a wide range of fishing tackle and equipment, has agreed a five-year lease on a second unit at site, taking its footprint at Hartington Business Park up to 7,364 sq ft.

Adam Mayfield, Property Development Manager at Devonshire Property Group, said: “Reaching fully let status at Hartington Business Park is indicative of the high level of demand for industrial warehousing in Derbyshire. We are really pleased to be able to help support Capital Angling’s expansion on site and to provide them with a platform to continue to grow their business. The strong tenant confidence in us and the scheme is a testament to our continued investment in the area and our commitment to ensuring that the unit sizes & specifications suit a broad range of occupiers and exceed energy efficiency standards.”

Jamie Jackson, Director at Capital Angling Limited said: “Hartington Business Park has proved to be an ideal location to grow our business, particularly given its proximity to both our customer base as well as some of their favourite fishing spots. Our success, and the support we’ve had from Devonshire Property Group, has been key to us being able to expand into our second unit at the site.”

Located on the northern edge of Staveley, five miles to the North East of Chesterfield, the 22,614 sq ft Hartington Business Park benefits from easy access to the M1 via J30 and J29A, located just 3.5 miles and 2.5 miles away respectively.

Ranging in size from 2,479 sq. ft up to 4,899 sq. ft, Hartington Business Park’s units have been built to a shell specification that allows occupiers flexibility to utilise the space for maximum business benefits. Built with a steel portal frame and steel profile cladding, the units also have secure concrete yards, EV charging points, full fibre broadband, ample parking spaces and boast a BREEM ‘Very Good’ rating.

100% occupancy at Hartington Business Park follows recent news that Devonshire Property Group has also fully let its 102,515 sq ft warehouse at the nearby Markham Vale. Beginning operations at the site later this Spring will be digital and information management specialists, Restore Records Management, who have let the warehouse on a long-term lease.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group, added: “Across Derbyshire and the East Midlands there is an acute need for quality industrial units to help support the region’s businesses in discovering new opportunities for growth. Achieving full occupancy at both Hartington Business Park and Markham Vale clearly demonstrates this. Fully letting both sites was only achieved through our continuous investment across our industrial portfolio and by ensuring that our sites provide the flexibility, facilities and specifications that our occupants need to grow and succeed.”

To find out more about the benefits of locating your business in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Hartington Business Park Devonshire Group site, aerial view showing three new warehouses

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Canal restoration gets underway in Staveley

The Chesterfield Canal Trust celebrated the start of its latest phase of restoration with a groundbreaking ceremony at Staveley.

Lee Rowley MP, Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Tricia Gilby, the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, were joined by Tony Mitchell, a director of O’Brien Construction Ltd. and Peter Hardy, the Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

O’Brien’s are carrying out the first phase of an 18 month long project. They will do major groundworks to clear the route of the canal and landscape the surrounding area. Next, the abutments for the new Trans Pennine Trail bridge will be built and, in September, this 38 metre long structure will be lowered into place.

Later a length of canal will be reinstated along with a new lock and another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane. There will also be a pumping system and a new Bellhouse Basin will be built. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, stretching all the way across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw.

Finally, the whole area will be planted with wildlife friendly vegetation and a seating area for people to enjoy the tranquillity of the newly restored canal will be installed. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.

Peter Hardy, Toby Perkins MP, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Lee Rowley MP, Tony Mitchell canal restoration groundbreaking

This is one of ten projects funded through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million investment in Staveley through the Government’s Towns Fund. The total cost of the canal restoration is around £6 million, most of which will come from the Town Deal. The Trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former Chair of the Trust. To learn more, go to the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.

Peter Hardy welcomed everyone and said this was the culmination of three years of preparatory work. Toby Perkins said: “The canal is a huge asset to Chesterfield and the Trust’s volunteers are involved in something that genuinely matters and makes a difference to very many people”. Cllr Gilby was pleased that another of the Staveley Town Deal projects was getting underway and said, “This wonderful asset will boost the tourist economy and people can use it to walk and cycle, possibly even to get to work”.

Lee Rowley also praised the volunteers and said: “It’s just amazing to see that this has got going, it’s taken a number of years to do but we’re now seeing another example of Levelling Up in action”. Tony Mitchell said that O’Brien’s were very happy to have the opportunity to do the works which will bring joy to thousands of people for many years to come.

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

Five people stood putting shovels in the ground as part of ceremony

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

Chamber reacts to general election announcement

East Midlands Chamber has reacted to the news that a general election will be held on 4th July 2024, reflecting on what it means for our region.

Yesterday, Prime Minister announced the news that Britain will be going to the polls this summer.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber commented: “Confirmation that the General Election will be held on 4th July is something we welcome as a politically uncertain environment can hinder planning and decision-making for businesses. Regardless of who is in power, we’re clear in the East Midlands of the policy reform that we need to see to enable business growth.

“For too long our region has been overlooked when it comes to investment, despite the fantastic businesses we have here and our status as a Centre of Trading Excellence – making, moving and innovating the goods and services that make our country tick.  Earlier this year we went to Westminster to present our asks directly to the government in our Manifesto for Growth 2024.

“The Manifesto is the direct result of what businesses have been telling us they need from the next UK Government and provides a clear blueprint for the things that would support our growth and success.  The document details specific policy asks across four key areas – People and Skills, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Planning, Taxation and Regulation.

“We look forward to continuing our conversations with all of those standing to represent communities in the East Midlands over the coming weeks and ensuring they understand the ways that, if successful, they can support our local businesses to deliver the growth and success that the whole country wants to see.”

East Midlands Chamber is currently working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver support for organisations in Chesterfield through the Chesterfield Accelerator programme. Find out more about the support available at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

Man wearing suit speaking on a stage at a lectern

Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber

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

£170,000 grant funding awarded to dozens of Chesterfield organisations

Over £170,000 worth of funding has now been awarded to community groups and local voluntary organisations in Chesterfield – with a further £140,000 set to be awarded to groups by the end of the year.

A total of 50 community groups and voluntary organisations have been awarded funding through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund, and applications have now reopened, meaning even more groups could access funding support.

Funding for the grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

The Community Grants Fund scheme was launched last year to help organisations deliver grassroots projects that will improve life for local people.

The grants are already being used to support local groups deliver projects that support resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help to tackle food poverty and social isolation, or support people to get in to work.

It is also supporting projects that will reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

The latest round of funding, tranche three, has seen the following groups awarded funding:

• The Volunteer Centre
• Pathways of Chesterfield
• Duckmanton Miners Welfare
• AshGate Heritage Arts
• Compassionate Voices
• Chesterfield in Bloom Community Committee
• Mindscapes
• ChitChat
• Inspiring Inkersall
• 1st Brimington Brownies
• Inclusive Pedals
• Chesterfield Foodbank
• Community Development Chesterfield
• Chesterfield Cricket Club
• Cycle Chesterfield
• Newbold Community Association
• Ashgate Hospice

Applications for the fourth round of funding are now open – with a total of £105,000 available to groups who apply by the deadline on Friday 28 June 2024. The latest round allows even more eligible organisations to apply for grant funding and with grants ranging from £500 to £50,000 this time, it can help local group fund larger capital projects to benefit local communities.

Full details on funding, eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf/community-grants-fund.aspx

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re lucky to have so many community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield that support our communities,
“I’m pleased that, through external funding schemes, we are able to support those who work tirelessly to deliver projects and initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of local people.

“We’ve already awarded over £170,000 of grant funding to 50 different groups and organisations across out community through the Community Grants Scheme and it’s been great to watch the progress they are making so far. I’m sure the latest round of funding will help even more local groups deliver vital projects that will help our communities continue to thrive.”

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wanting to apply for the grant. If you would like any help or guidance with submitting a bid, please contact the team on:

  • Email: communitygrants@chesterfield.gov.uk
  • Phone: 01246 959657 or 07790 977317
  • Post: Community Grants Fund, c/o Wendy Blunt,
    Health and Wellbeing Officer,
    Chesterfield Borough Council,
    Town Hall,
    Chesterfield,
    S40 1LP

Applications will reopen again later in the year to support even more community groups and local voluntary organisations.

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

 

 

Female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council in red jacket on Town Hall balcony

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Fusion Utilities to open new 149,000 sq ft facility in Chesterfield

Fusion Utilities is gearing up to unveil its brand new and highly anticipated site in Chesterfield, based at the Horizon 29 site near the M1.

With the final stage of fit-out underway, the countdown has officially begun for the opening of the new fulfilment centre in June 2024.

The new facility will allow the brand to accommodate an extensive range of utilities products so that customers have access to stock when and where they need it.

Situated at junction 29A of the M1, the site’s prime location means it offers excellent accessibility to customers across the country, ensuring Fusion’s commitment to excellence in customer service and operational efficiency well into the future.

Find out more about Chesterfield’s excellent strategic location here.

The new state-of-the-art facility spans an impressive 149,113 square feet, seamlessly integrating warehouse and office space for optimised efficiency and service quality. Enabling Fusion Utilities to revolutionise operations in the industry whilst ushering in a brand-new era of seamless service and support for its valued customers to ensure their infrastructure projects continue to be a success.

Simon Dennis, National Operations Director at Wolseley Infrastructure said: “We are thrilled with the progress of our new Horizon 29 site. The investment in this site underlines our dedication and unwavering commitment to adaptability and excellence in customer service delivery.

“This investment is about ensuring we remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our customers, unlocking endless possibilities to better serve them and the delivery of their projects.

The Horizon 29 design reflects Fusion Utilities’ commitment to environmental sustainability. The new site boasts environmentally friendly features such as a green exterior, large recycling centre, EV charging and solar panels that future-proof the site and is part of Wolseley’s wider strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and committing to more sustainable practices.

With the finishing touches going into the final phase of the project, the landmark development highlights Wolseley Infrastructure’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and continued innovation in the utilities sector.

Find out more about locating your organisation in Chesterfield by visiting our Invest in Chesterfield page.

Fusion Utilities Horizon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

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