Celebrate Chesterfield

Celebrate Chesterfield Business Event a Sell Out

14th March 2016

The annual Celebrate Chesterfield event, being held at the Winding Wheel on Thursday 17 March, is once again a sell-out. 250 people, more than ever before, will be descending on the venue to learn about the exciting plans for Chesterfield in 2016 and beyond.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with The University of Derby, the town’s leaders will update the business community on the progress made with developments, including the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme, at the event.

Speakers at the event, which is sponsored by Central Technology and Markham Vale, include Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Borough Council, and representatives from University of Derby, Meter Provida and Central Technology.

Dr Peter Dewhurst will be speaking at the event ahead of the University of Derby opening its Chesterfield campus later this year. There will be live Tweeting from the event, which is taking place between 7.30am – 10.00am. Follow Destination Chesterfield on Twitter at @DesChes, to keep up-to-date with announcements as they happen.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Play on the Proact pitch

11th March 2016

Businesses, local football clubs and individuals are being given the opportunity to play on the pitch at Chesterfield Football Club.

The Spireites are now taking bookings to give fans the chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional footballer.

From corporate events and inter-company matches with colleagues, to charity events, or even a game between friends who fancy an upgrade on a public park, the Proact Stadium will be available on the following dates:

May 17 – 7pm kick-off
May 18 – 7pm kick-off
May 19 – 7pm kick-off
May 24 – 7pm kick-off

One of the first businesses to take part will be the Proact themselves, based in Chesterfield, following their participation last year.

Each organisation that books will get the chance of a 90-minute, 11-a-side game, including full use of the stadium’s playing facilities, from the dressing room to the players’ tunnel.

A match co-ordinator and referee will be provided by the club and entry to the Proact Stadium will be free for spectators, with each business that signs up given two complimentary footballs to use during the game – and keep as a souvenir.

The cost to ‘Play at the Proact’ is just £1,750 per time slot. Playing slots are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 16 players per squad, and a non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to confirm the booking. The full balance is due 30 days before the game.

To book, please contact Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or email janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

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

Harry Ramsden’s comes to Chesterfield

11th March 2016

World-famous fish and chip restaurant, Harry Ramsden’s is preparing to open in a Chesterfield pub next week.

Making an entrance into the licensed trade sector, the iconic British brand will launch at the Wingerworth on Derby Road on Tuesday 15 March.

Harry Ramsden’s at the Wingerworth will feature an updated interior design popular with families, at the same time as retaining the pub’s local identity and remaining true to its own heritage.

Joe Teixeira, CEO of Harry Ramsden’s comments:-

“We relish this opportunity to enter into a new market and the great location, surroundings and reputation enjoyed by the Wingerworth Pub and Kitchen make Chesterfield the ideal place from which to unveil our newest model and further extend the modern day face of Harry’s to a new generation of customers.”

This latest opening comes as a result of its partnership with Punch Taverns and the Harry Ramsden’s team will manage of all aspects of the outlet’s day to day operation serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Businesses invited to share in success of young entrepreneurs at the Winding Wheel

11th March 2016

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to show their support for local students at the Area Final of the Young Enterprise Company Competition.

Taking place on Tuesday 22nd March at the Winding Wheel, the event will celebrate the achievements of pupils from schools and colleges across North Derbyshire; all of whom have been running their own company over the past academic year, with support from local business advisers and teachers.

Finalists will compete for a number of awards during the evening – from Best Presentation to Overall Winning Company, as well as the opportunity to represent North Derbyshire at the County Final – taking place at The Roundhouse, Derby College on 25 April 2016.

Given the task of presenting for four minutes on their company achievements and experiences, each team will be assessed by an independent panel of judges including representatives from 2 local businesses – BRM Solicitors and North South Training. The range of products and services designed and created by finalists will also be on display.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the event, Steve Taylor, Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board said:-

“Our young people reveal so much potential and capability through the Young Enterprise Company Programme and so it’s fantastic that we are able to recognise this at the annual Area Final.

“The active involvement of volunteers from business and the local community is fundamental to Young Enterprise’s mission to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. It is our volunteers’ enthusiasm, knowledge and real life experiences that enrich the learning for students, bringing to life the world of work and preparing them for an enterprising future. I hope that lots of local businesses will join us at the Winding Wheel on 22nd March.”

The Young Enterprise Area Final begins at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22nd March with a complimentary drinks reception and an opportunity to look around the trade stands and talk with the competitors about their experience.

To confirm your attendance please email Steve Taylor – Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board at steve@startfp.co.uk

(Image shows the winners of the 2015 Young Enterprise Company Competition Area Final – students from Tupton Hall School who created a successful nappy cake business called Tantrum Baby Products)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Gill Lewis highly commended at Enterprising Women Awards

10th March 2016

Gill Lewis, Company Secretary at The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) in Chesterfield has received the accolade of ‘Highly Commended’ in The Female Employee of The Year category at the Enterprising Women Awards 2016.

Facilitated by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicester, Nottinghamshire) the ceremony at Shearsby Bath, Leicestershire hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson, was a celebration of the most talented women in business across the three counties. UKATA were one of only three companies to be shortlisted from the Chesterfield area.

The award recognises Gill’s commitment and passion in supporting UKATA. Gill said: “I was shocked to find out I had been nominated for this award, but to receive the honour is extremely flattering.”

Gill was joined by General Manager, Craig Evans at the Award Ceremony in Leicester, Craig commented: “Such a fantastic event, where unsung heroes were recognised for their achievements. Gill deserved to be in the finals, and I am very proud of her success”.

UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) actively promotes asbestos awareness, to include the dangers of working with the substance and health threats associated.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Spireites quartet joins Jeff Stelling on charity walk

10th March 2016

A Spireites quartet will join Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on a walk in aid of Prostate Cancer UK later this month.

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, media chief Nick Johnson, Kevin Fitzgerald (head of commercial & marketing) and former player Bob Newton will walk with Jeff from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact Stadium on Thursday, March 24.

Jeff, who hosts the popular Soccer Saturday show, will walk from Hartlepool United to Wembley between March 21-30.

Clocking in at more than 250 miles, Jeff’s Men United March will see the 60-year-old check in on 31 football clubs.

Jeff said: “I deal in statistics – but the ones we are dealing with here are shocking. One man dies every hour from this disease, that’s six in the course of Soccer Saturday every week. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and for black men the odds are even worse at one in four.

“Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear. I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But do to this we need to raise vital funds – and I need everyone to support me and all the men affected by prostate cancer by visiting menunitedmarch.org and pledging their support.”

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Walton Holymoorside Primary wins silver

8th March 2016

Walton Holymoorside Primary School has been awarded the School Games Silver Mark for showing excellent dedication to physical education and a healthy lifestyle over the last academic year.

The School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. Walton Holymoorside join a select group of Primary Schools across Chesterfield to achieve this award.

Far surpassing the participation rates needed to achieve the award, Walton Holymoorside took part in a number of Chesterfield SSP events last academic year, including: Mini Soccer, Cross Country, Sportshall Athletics, Dance, Fun to Run, Early Racers and Quadkids. On top of this, they encouraged out-of-school sport and leadership programmes.

Headteacher Jane Palmer-Coole, said: “We were proud to receive our School Games Silver Mark from Sporty Spire in our celebration assembly, as a recognition of all the amazing sporting events and health promoting activities that our children took part in in 2014-2015. We are now working towards our Gold Award!”

The presentation was made in the morning assembly on Friday 4th March by Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership. Sporty Spire, the partnership’s mascot, was also on hand to congratulate the children. The award was collected by a number of Bronze Young Ambassadors within the Chesterfield SSP’s leadership programme, including Poppy and James.

James said: “I am feeling proud that our school has achieved this amazing award.”

Poppy added: “I feel happy and proud of our school and now I am really excited for what will come next.”

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “Congratulations to Walton Holymoorside, with a special mention to the PE Coordinator Miss Fairweather. Her dedication to advocating the PE and Sport agenda has inspired children at Walton Holymoorside to grow through sport.”

Jenny Fairweather, Sport Leader at Walton Holymoorside, said: “An inspirational assembly hearing our young children speaking so confidently about their passion for sport. The children were thrilled to receive our award from Sporty Spire and are very excited about sporting events to come!”

It was an excellent and inspiring morning for the children and the school as a whole, a great reward for all their hard work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Air Ambulance official charity for Chatsworth International Horse Trials

4th March 2016

Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance has once again been named as the official charity this year for The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials taking place this May.

DLRAA provides a vital rapid response helicopter service and attends over 1000 life-saving missions a year, each at a cost of £1,700. With no government funding, the service relies entirely on donations to keep the service flying.

Following the success of its presence at last year’s event, it is hoped the continuing partnership will help to raise further awareness of the important work carried out by the service every day and support the ongoing fundraising campaigns.

Sophie Burt, Senior Fundraising Manager for DLRAA, said: “Every horse rider knows the importance of the air ambulance service and we are absolutely delighted to be supported for a second time by the Horse Trials. Last year was a huge success for our air ambulance service, and we hope to make this year even better. As we receive no government funding, partnerships like these are vital to make sure our lifesaving service can keep flying.”

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell, said: “The air ambulance plays a crucial role in ensuring that the very best medical care is on hand at the Horse Trials as well as providing this essential service to the local community. We are delighted to be able to support their work and look forward to meeting the team on hand at Chatsworth in May”.

Three thousand pounds was raised by DLRAA over the weekend last year. This year the charity will once again run a fundraising stall and other activities across the site. They will also be supported over the weekend by Dodson & Horrell who will be fundraising for the charity on their stand.

DLRAA will also be promoting its new out of hours service at this year’s event – which will enable them to carry out even more life-saving missions – with one of the service’s Skoda cars on display.

The Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials combines three days of world class sporting competition with a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Visitors are also welcome to browse the shopping village with 100 high quality trade stands.

Tickets for the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials start at £10 for adults and £4.50 for children aged five and over.

For more information on the Dodson & Horrell International Horse Trials, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Securing the best devolution deal for Chesterfield and Derbyshire

4th March 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council has voted to apply to join a devolution deal with Sheffield City Region that could bring millions of pounds and hundreds of job opportunities to Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The devolution deal will see powers and funding held by ministers and civil servants in London – on issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport – transferred down to a local level.

At a special council meeting held on Thursday 3rd March, councillors confirmed that entering a deal will mean absolutely no changes to Chesterfield’s geographical boundaries with the town remaining firmly part of Derbyshire. Those councillors will also continue to control the running of all the services Chesterfield Borough Council is currently responsible for.

The additional devolved powers will be managed by a combined authority, which is made up of a group of councils, which will be led by an elected mayor. Chesterfield is applying for an equal seat at the table of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority alongside Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils. This builds on the strong relationships that have already delivered significant investment in Chesterfield from the Sheffield City Region.

The decision by Chesterfield’s councillors starts a process that will include a full period of public consultation – likely to be in late spring or early summer – ahead of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government making a decision, anticipated to be in the autumn.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m Chesterfield born and bred. If you cut me open I would have Chesterfield written on one side and Derbyshire on the other.

“So from day one I have been very clear that this is not about us moving anywhere as some people have claimed. Chesterfield is a Derbyshire town and will always be a Derbyshire town. Changing that has never been on the agenda and it never will be.

“This decision has been about what is going to be best for our economy and will most benefit our residents and businesses.

“It’s about creating jobs opportunities for young people who tell me they are desperately struggling to find work. It is about supporting the Chesterfield businesses who tell me that they want to expand but need staff with the right skills to do so.

“And it’s about giving our town an equal say at a table where £900 million is being handed out over the next 30 years.”

Three other Derbyshire councils – Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales district councils – are applying to join the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority as non-constituent members.

They have also decided to be full members of a similar North Midlands Combined Authority formed of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils, Derby City, Derbyshire County Council and around half of the Derbyshire district and borough councils.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also decided to apply to become a non-constituent member of the North Midlands Combined Authority.

This partnership is currently negotiating with government for a devolution deal that would also see powers come down from Government to be managed by a combined authority led by an elected mayor.

Councillor Burrows added: “I am in the unique position of being the only council leader to have been involved in negotiating devolution deals for both the North Midlands and Sheffield City Region areas.

“I’ve read every document on the subject and sat in the meetings here and in London. So I’ve heard every argument for and against both devolution deals and in all that time I’ve been looking for what is best for Chesterfield and Chesterfield alone.

“After hearing all the issues at the debate I came to a clear conclusion that this deal is in the best interests of Chesterfield. That view was shared overwhelmingly by councillors of all the three political parties represented on the council, who decided this is the deal we should put out to public consultation.

“What is on offer is so great that it would be reckless and gambling on the town’s future to walk away and not seek any devolution powers.”

Residents can view the report which has all the details considered by councillors at the meeting by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk and clicking on the devolution button at the bottom of the page. Paper copies can be seen at Chesterfield Town Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Still time for Derbyshire businesses to join free Healthy Workplaces scheme

2nd March 2016

More Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to sign up for a free health and wellbeing support programme which is tailored to the needs of each individual organisation.

Since it launched in July, Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire has worked with more than 40 local businesses, which together employ over 30,000 people, to help employees to get fitter, healthier and happier.

The Healthy Workplace teams offers one-to-one help and support in areas including:

Assessing an organisation’s current situation and highlighting key areas for change
Supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace
Putting in place long term solutions for preventing ill health
Developing strategies and action plans for making improvements
Providing information on local services
Providing advice and support on mental health and wellbeing, healthy eating, physical activity, stop smoking support and alcohol and substance misuse
Offering training opportunities

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said:

“Making sure that employees are healthy and happy is an important function of any business.

“The Healthy Workplaces programme offers innovative solutions for employers who want to create a healthy and engaged workforce and also signposts onto other health and wellbeing projects such as the Heart of Derbyshire healthy eating options scheme.

“We would encourage anyone who has a business in Derbyshire to get in touch and see how our team can help.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital is just one of the organisations working with the Healthy Workplaces team.

Sarah Cooper, HR Advisor at the hospital, said:

“We’ve worked closely with the Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire team to create a healthy and more engaged workforce.

“The team supported us to enable staff to access local weight management services and develop our range of physical activity sessions.

“In addition they have provided guidance to enable us to obtain the Gold Standard for the Heart of Derbyshire award so we can all benefit from a range of healthy meal options in our canteen – Café @ the Royal.”

Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire is free to join for all businesses within Derbyshire County Council boundaries (excluding Derby City).

Find out more about Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire at www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Last chance to nominate in the Chesterfield Retail Awards

29th February 2016

Don’t let your favourite retailer go unnoticed. Time is running out to nominate your favourite shop or store in the town in the third annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Nominations for the popular awards, which are organised by Destination Chesterfield, close on Sunday 6 March 2016.

Retailers, including the best national high street stores and owner managed shops can be nominated across 14 different categories, with the winners being announced at an award ceremony held on 25 May 2016 at the town’s Winding Wheel.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, is urging shoppers to vote now. He said: “The closing date for nominations ties in brilliantly with the run up to Mother’s Day, the same date nominations close – 6th March. While you’re out shopping for your mum, if a Chesterfield retailer gives you outstanding service, has a fantastic choice of gifts, or even both, then make sure you nominate.

“The Retail Awards are great for business recognition, but also an opportunity for us to say thank you to the many people who work in the sector and help keep retail thriving in Chesterfield.”

Last year’s winner of the coveted Retail of the Year Award and Market Trader of the Year, Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, added: “It was amazing to win two awards and particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award.”

To nominate your favourite retailer before Sunday 6 March 2016, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate/

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