Celebrate Chesterfield

‘Broker of the year’ award for Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st

A Chesterfield-based mortgage broker is celebrating after winning a prestigious industry award.

The team at Mortgage 1st were delighted when they found out earlier in the year that they had reached the final 5 in the Broker Firm of the Year (11-50 employees) category in the 2023 Financial Reporter Awards.

Directors Jon & Lisa Stones, along with Head of Growth Paul Lewis were invited to attend the awards ceremony on the 11th of May at Alexandra Palace in London where Mortgage 1st were announced as the winner.

Mortgage 1st were described by the judges as “ones to watch in the future, brilliant growth and market engagement”.

The Financial Reporter Awards aims to recognise and support a changing industry by promoting good practice and excellent service.

Operations Director Lisa Stones said: “we are absolutely over the moon to have won and for our team to be recognised with this industry award. To reach the finals or shortlist in a national award is amazing enough but to then go on and win is an incredible feeling and testament to team.”

And the good news doesn’t end there for the Mortgage 1st team, who are also shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Mortgage Broker (8-50 advisers) category in this year’s Mortgage Strategy Awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony is taking place on the 25th of May in London where the winners will be announced.

And they say things come in 3’s… Managing Director Jon Stones has also just been announced as a finalist and down to the final 3 in the British Mortgage Awards in the Business Leader: Broker (11-50 advisers) category.

Find out more about the company at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/our-champions/mortgage-1st/

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mortgage 1st - Broker Firm of the Year 873

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Chesterfield bids for businesses with over a million sq ft of new commercial property

A new and ambitious growth strategy for Chesterfield, the largest town in Derbyshire best known for its industrial heritage, historic architecture and proximity to the Peak District, has today been shared with potential investors at UKREiiF, a major real estate and infrastructure investment event, as well as details of commercial property projects that will deliver more than a million square feet of new high-quality office and industrial space over the next two years.

Speaking at the event, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said that Chesterfield was delivering consistent and sustainable business growth, and had seen interest in its commercial space increase from both local startups and companies considering relocation to the town since the pandemic lockdowns.

DR Huw Bowen UKREiiF Harworth Panel

Dr. Huw Bowen speaks on Harworth panel at UKREiiF

Data shared in Chesterfield’s growth strategy reveal that the town’s business population has grown by more than a fifth (21 per cent) in the last decade and created 2,000 new jobs, including 1,800 high-value roles in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and professional services. Chesterfield aims to attract a further 400 businesses and 2,000 more jobs to the town by 2030.

Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting, either through direct investment or public-private partnerships, a series of projects to provide high-quality commercial space for businesses. It has helped bring to market almost 300,000 square feet of modern office, industrial, manufacturing and logistics space since the start of 2022, and expects further new premises totalling more than one million square feet to become available by the middle of 2025.

Key commercial developments in the town include:

  • One Waterside Place: 35,000 square feet of Grade A office accommodation located within five minutes’ walk of Chesterfield’s mainline train station. The building provides high quality office space for larger businesses looking to relocate or expand. Opened in January 2023, two of the building’s six floors have already been taken by tenants.
  • Hartington Industrial Estate: a major industrial development in Staveley, an area of Chesterfield next to the M1 motorway. This project will create 800,000 square feet of new commercial floorspace, with multiple modern industrial and warehouse units measuring 20,000 square feet and more expected to become available in 2023.
  • Prospect Park: located just off the A61, the main road between Chesterfield and Sheffield, Prospect Park provides high-quality office space and plots for new advanced manufacturing, warehousing and distribution units ranging from 7,000 – 50,000 square feet.

Chesterfield has also earmarked several prime locations for new residential development as part of plans to build more than 4,000 new homes by 2035. The number of new homes built in the town has exceeded targets in the last three years, and data from Home.co.uk shows that residential properties in Chesterfield sell faster, on average, than in Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield is delivering consistent and sustainable growth, and becoming a destination of choice for entrepreneurs, knowledge workers and investors seeking a compelling work-life alternative to big cities. Our investments in assets, infrastructure, and partnerships are fuelling the transition to a higher-skilled, higher-wage economy. Our indigenous business base is growing, and we’ve seen enquiries from companies considering relocation to Chesterfield rocket since the pandemic.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Chesterfield is a great place to live, and now, an even better place to do business. We’re investing in high-quality commercial spaces, opening up opportunities for more high-quality homes, and creating an environment that nurtures both residents and entrepreneurs. With our strategic location, culture of invention and competitive cost base, Chesterfield is the perfect location for startups, scaleups, innovators and investors.”

Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

View the latest details around commercial property projects in Chesterfield in the latest Chesterfield Investment Prospectus here.

Chesterfield commercial property to be showcased

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Record financial year for Global Brands

Chesterfield-based drinks business, Global Brands, has announced a record breaking financial year, which ended on 30 September 2022.

The firm owns a portfolio including Franklin & Sons, Hooch, VK, and more. It has reported double-digit turnover growth for financial year 2022, driven by record international growth, successful NPD launches including Lustre liqueurs, and canned cocktail and RTD sales.

The company has reported a 26.6% increase in turnover, rising to £84.4 million, versus sales of £66.6 million in the 20/21 financial year.

The Derbyshire-based company is now the biggest supplier of branded canned cocktails to the UK off trade, and the biggest supplier of ready to drink products into the UK on premises across their portfolio. The company’s portfolio of drinks brands includes VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons, All Shook Up, Shake Baby Shake, Corky’s, Beviamo, Kick Energy, Lustre, and Amigos Tequila Beer.

Global Brands also reported a 50% increase in international business. Having launched Franklin & Sons in the USA in 2019, just as the pandemic struck, the international arm of the business is now seeing significant growth, reaching £5 million in turnover for the first time in the history of the business.

Steve Perez, Founder and Chairman at Global Brands said: “Global Brands, the UK’s leading independent drinks business, has had another fantastic year. 21/22 has been our sixth successive year of growth, almost doubling our turnover in the last five years.

“We’ve recently purchased the trademarks for Hooch, Hooper’s, and Reef from Molson Coors, and have lots of exciting new products in the pipeline. We’re now the biggest supplier of branded canned cocktails in the UK off trade, and the biggest supplier of RTDs into the on trade.

“Franklin & Sons is now the second biggest premium tonic in the UK on trade, and we’ve seen fantastic growth for the brand in the UK and especially internationally, in markets in Asia, through Europe, and from our newly opened office in the USA.

“We’re unique in that we create everything in-house, from design, marketing, and NPD through to the distribution of our brands from here in Chesterfield and Clay Cross – areas where we’ve invested just under £3 million in the last year. From our base in Derbyshire, we employ almost 200 people, and our success is down to the fantastic teams that drive these brands forward.

“While economic conditions have been challenging in the six months since we’ve published our accounts, especially in regard to energy and raw material costs, we’re confident going forward that the company will continue its momentum in the next financial year.”

Global Brands has started financial year 22/23 in a strong position. Late last year saw the hard launch of premium tonics, sodas, and soft drinks brand Franklin & Sons into the USA, to further capitalise on international growth, while the company acquired the trademarks for Hooch, Hooper’s, and Reef from Molson Coors, investing in the brands with the security of owning the equity.

Alongside this, Global Brands has launched an all-new VK & SODA extension for their no.1 RTD for students eight years running, VK. The new range delivers on demand for zero sugar and lower calorie drinks, while retaining the flavourful and tasty essence of the original VK range, engaging with RTD consumers, and attracting the segment of consumers that opt for beverages with fewer calories than typical RTDs.

A £2 million expansion of the Global Brands Distribution Centre was also recently completed, increasing capacity from 30 million to 40 million products stored.

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

Global Brands Distribution Centre

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Property and Construction firms to highlight key commercial opportunities in Chesterfield at UK’s largest trade show

Did you know that Chesterfield’s business population has grown by 21% over the past decade, with more commercial opportunities in Chesterfield on the way? A total of 2,000 new jobs have been created, including 1,800 high-value roles in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and professional services.

Chesterfield is continuing on its ambitious path. The town aims to attract a further 400 businesses and 2,000 more jobs by 2030. With this goal in mind, it is vital to spread the message about the area’s exciting regeneration plans and commercial opportunities.

Property and construction businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are highlighting the wide range of investment opportunities in our town at the UK’s largest trade show, UKREiiF. The event is taking place in Leeds from Tuesday 16th-Thursday 18th May 2023.

Delegates from the town will be highlighting our area’s key development sites in several panel discussions. Including the ‘Journey to Zero’ transport hub at the PEAK tourism destination.

They will speak to potential investors about the excellent strategic location of Chesterfield and the importance of transport infrastructure opening up major regeneration sites.

Furthermore, members from Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group will fly the flag for our town at the event. Businesses will be making attendees aware of the various projects which they are working on. Firms will also support Destination Chesterfield in spreading  the message of the area’s exciting commercial opportunities.

Find out more below on how firms will be Championing Chesterfield at UKREiiF 2023.

Whittam Cox Architects

Andrew Dabbs

A panel discussion at UKREiiF will outline the potential benefits of a devolution deal for Chesterfield and the wider region. The panel will include Chesterfield Property and Construction Group chair, Andy Dabbs, who is also a director at Whittam Cox Architects.

In addition, delegates will have the opportunity to discuss how the private sector can complement and enhance the newest and largest devolution deal in England. The deal is set to leverage at least £38m per year over 30 years.

Andy commented: “I’m very pleased to be collaborating with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and showcasing Chesterfield’s portfolio of investment opportunities.”

“Our town possesses a strong relationship between the public and private sector. This is continuing to bring forward an impressive pipeline of regeneration and economic growth.

“The East Midlands Devolution deal will ensure more funding for our region, and further promote Chesterfield as an ideal place to invest.”

Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd.

Jenna Frudd Wilmott Dixon - highlighting commercial opportunities at UKREiiF

Jenna Frudd, Business & Relationship Manager at Wilmott Dixon commented: “I’m thrilled to be attending this year’s UKREIIF and supporting the fantastic work being done in the development of Chesterfield.

“The town is a prime example of a ‘hidden gem’ town. It’s incredibly welcoming and has a local council and business community that is open to conversations.

“What’s great about UKREIIF is that it provides a fantastic opportunity to attract further investment. With all towns, there needs to be promise of change and excitement of active projects bubbling under in order to help it truly thrive. There is absolutely that happening in Chesterfield.”

FI Real Estate Management Ltd.

The HQ Chesterfield

The team at FI Real Estate Management is highlighting one of the key commercial opportunities in Chesterfield, The HQ.

Dominic Knowles, Head of Offices at FI Real Estate Management said: “Our colleagues attending UKREiff will be networking with business members and leaders at the event, promoting our recent £2m investment at The HQ and discussing the benefits of enhancing investment opportunities for the Chesterfield business community.

“We are passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work by providing Grade A office facilities. This improves Chesterfield’s business prospects, offering workspace fit to rival that of neighbouring cities. In addition, it makes the market town the first choice for future businesses looking to invest.

“Since our investment in the market town began in 2019, we have witnessed significant further investment in Chesterfield. This has had a positive impact on the local business community. It is extremely important for us to draw on our experience in Chesterfield so far, and share this with other business leaders.”

Harworth Group

Investment Chesterfield Harworth Group - Highlighting commercial opportunities at UKREiiF

Joanne Neville, Regional Head of Planning at Harworth Group commented: “Harworth is one of the leading land and property regeneration companies in the UK. The company manages over 13,000 acres across around 100 sites in the North of England and the Midlands.

“Harworth sites serve as exemplars of successful large-scale regeneration, with the business working alongside a range of partners. This also includes part of the allocated Staveley Works site in Chesterfield. 600 new homes are proposed for the site, with a planning application currently pending consideration.

“The Harworth team are always looking for exciting new investment opportunities for acquisitions and partnerships. Harworth will be returning to UKREiiF in 2023 with an even bigger delegation and exhibition space. Join them at the Harworth Regeneration Pavilion (Pavilion 7) for an extensive programme of thought-provoking panel sessions. Additionally, the company will host regional showcases and networking events, with some of the industry’s leading experts.”

Inspire Design & Development Ltd.

Gemma Inspire Design & Development - Chesterfield Champions

Colleagues at Inspire Design & Development Ltd. are excited to be attending this year’s showcase, which they believe promises to be even bigger and better.

Gemma Brewster, Commercial Executive commented: “At Inspire we are passionate about inspiring great places for people to live, work and play. A key part of our strategic approach to achieve this is collaboration. During the three-day event, we will be attending a number of fringe events in the city and holding meetings with new and existing connections.

“Not only will we be discussing future opportunities and building upon those relationships, but we will also be helping to raise the profile of Chesterfield by promoting our current projects in the area such as PEAK.

“We may be slightly biased, but we are very excited about the progress of this development as we feel Peak has the potential to dramatically increase the towns tourism offer which will help boost the Chesterfield economy and showcase the town. We are excited to see how the project evolves over the coming years.

Chesterfield Borough Council offers a free, efficient service to help you find the perfect premises for your business. Find out more about the range of available commercial opportunities in Chesterfield here.

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Chesterfield ranked 2nd in list of UK’s best places to raise a family

Chesterfield has been recognised by travel guide website, enjoytravel.com as the best town in England, and the 2nd best in the UK to raise a family.

The town sits above major cities such as Leeds, Leicester and Newcastle to take 2nd spot on the list, thanks to its ‘affordable and appealing houses and excellent schooling options.’

Enjoytravel.com ranked the towns and cities based on three criteria:

  • Property prices and average salaries (house price-to-income ratio) – 30 points
  • Education – 20 points
  • Safety – 20 points

Other factors such as access to green spaces, transport links and family-friendly attractions were also considered.

Explaining why Chesterfield positioned so highly, the website stated: “The Derbyshire town of Chesterfield is the second-best place to raise a family in the whole of the UK, thanks to its affordable and appealing houses and excellent schooling options. It might be the county’s largest town, but it has managed to retain its friendly, welcoming character despite new developments cropping around the outskirts of the town. It’s a top choice for families who love the ‘Great Outdoors’ too, as it’s just a stone’s throw from the rugged Peak District and a plethora of wildlife reserves and reservoirs.

“House prices currently average £220,825 for properties in the town centre and picturesque suburbs like Holymoorside and Wingerworth. And, when it comes to good schools, the town is brimming with them. Schools like Westfield Infant School, St Mary’s Catholic High School and Parkside Community School have all been rated as ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted.”

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions agreed that the area has all the key assets required as a great place to raise a family.

Nigel Mallender, Head of Sales & Marketing at Addooco IT commented: “I’m very proud to call Chesterfield my home. I cannot imagine living anywhere else and that’s down to the friendly people and the community spirit.

“Chesterfield is great for families with its huge range of parks, play centres, sporting appeal and family friendly pubs and restaurants. For history lovers there’s the likes of Hardwick Hall, Bolsover Castle, the Peak District and many other places close by.

“Chesterfield is so well connected and great for business too with Sheffield and Nottingham on the doorstep, East Midlands Airport within 45 minutes’ drive and London only two hours away by train.”

Nigel Mallender

Nigel Mallender, Addooco IT

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic added: “Chesterfield has something for everyone – the perfect balance of convenience and serenity. I personally love the countryside, and living in chesterfield has the luxury of easy access to town, city and the countryside.”

The Goldsmith Clinic defibrillator

Theresa Goldsmith, Owner of The Goldsmith Clinic

“Nick Gorman, Owner of CCM Change Consultancy said: Chesterfield is now definitely where I call home. Moving to Chesterfield 14 years ago I quickly found the town had all the things I find vital – community, good links, football, cricket, a great food and drink scene and proximity to our beautiful Peak District.”

Nick Gorman - CCM

Nick Gorman, CCM Change Consultancy

Speaking on achieving 2nd place on the list, Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager said: “We are absolutely delighted by the news that enjoytravel.com has named Chesterfield as the best place in England, and the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family.”

“Our town is blessed with affordable properties and great outdoor spaces on the doorstep of the Peak District.

“We’re also placed ideally in the centre of the country, with fantastic road and rail connectivity, superb local amenities, and strong and supportive communities.

“Chesterfield really does have all the ingredients required to help families build rewarding and happy lives.”

Kooca Chesterfield

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Chesterfield toy shop grows into new store on Vicar Lane

A toy shop, which started as a market stall in Dronfield has now opened a brand-new independent store at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield.

The Little Ark was founded in 2021 by Liz Telford-Sides, who whilst was on maternity leave with her second child, was shocked by the amount of plastic used to manufacture and package toys.

So, Liz began investigating eco-friendly alternatives and started sourcing toys from beautiful brands that were sustainable with no plastic packaging. Since launching, The Little Ark has continued to expand its ranges, trading from Chesterfield Market Hall before the move to Vicar Lane.

Liz commented: “We are incredibly excited to move to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. The mix of independent shops alongside big high street brands such as H&M and New Look is great and we are so proud to be part of this.

“There are two main reasons we love being in Chesterfield; one is our customers and the other is the local independent businesses. We have received wonderful support from both our customers and the other indie businesses.

“People are now wanting to see the products they are purchasing, and I would definitely say I’m one of those people. When people see our products in-person, they often comment on the quality of the items and the longevity they can get out of them. This is transferable across independent businesses; they are providing quality items and provide an exceptional level of service that you just can’t get online.

“Businesses such as ours are willing to take a risk on providing Chesterfield with something it doesn’t have, but it will only be successful if people shop with us. Independent businesses can often be hidden away from the main thoroughfares but if people look that little bit harder they will find some absolute hidden gems.”

Liz also added that the success of the business wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her father, Gary Telford, who helps to run the shop on a daily basis.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said: “We’re thrilled to be able to support yet another local business in the heart of Chesterfield, especially one with such sustainable values.  We’re very excited to see the range of toys and baby products on offer at The Little Ark.’’

Chesterfield Borough Council offers a free, efficient service to help you find the perfect premises for your business. If you’re looking for retail space in the town, find out more about the range of available commercial property here.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

the little ark 1 873

 

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Growth, rebrands and exciting milestones for Chesterfield Champions

A number of Chesterfield Champions have announced recent successes, with firms revealing new recruits, rebrands and anniversaries.

Find out more in our roundup from across the town below.

Redbrik celebrates a flurry of female promotions

Redbrik promotions

Redbrik Estate Agents has announced numerous internal female promotions.

The firm recently celebrated promotions among both long-standing employees and recent recruits:

  • ​​Gemma Hynes has been promoted to Area Manager from her previous Property Consultant role.
  • Sarah Bicknall has been promoted to Area Manager from Lettings Property Consultant.
  • Thea Cox has been made Marketing Manager, promoted from Marketing Executive.
  • Grace Bradbury has been promoted to Sales Manager from her previous role as an Applicant Manager.

Claire Madej, Redbrik’s Talent and HR Manager, commented: “Redbrik is only as good as its people and I’m so pleased to see these fantastic women progress through the agency and take us – as a company and as part of the wider industry – forward. Last month the industry celebrated both International Women’s Day and the first-ever Women In Estate Agency conference, so we’re pleased to mark yet another milestone for women in property with these incredibly well-deserved promotions.”

Exciting rebrand for Roy Peters Estates

ROY PETERS

Roy Peters Estates, which has been trading successfully in Chesterfield for nearly 50 years has rebranded with a fresh new look.

The company has redeveloped its office accommodation to make it a brighter more welcoming environment, along with creating a dedicated private meeting room for anyone with concerns to share these in confidence.

Richard Sherwood, Director at Roy Peters Estates said: “We felt it appropriate to freshen our image and indicate we are ready for the challenges to come, whilst appreciating where the business started and our founders Roy Cutt and Peter Bown.

“We have come a long way and have plans to grow the business, specifically our residential management, building our commercial portfolio and offering professional commercial services, as we feel there is a gap in the market for a local specialist in the town.

“Our new branding will stand out and compliment our physical and on-line presence. We have some new faces here at Roy Peters, including Commercial Specialist Andrew, Accounts Lead Julie and our first Apprentice George. All three have settled in well and are already complimenting our existing team.

“Chesterfield has a huge amount to offer its residents and businesses, as do Roy Peters Estates. We, as a Chesterfield business do our best to deal with other local businesses and mutually benefit the town. ”

Edwards Employment Solutions celebrates 5th anniversary

Chesterfield recruitment agency, Edwards Employment Solutions is celebrating five years of success in the town.

The business recently announced growth, with a move to new office space the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – find out more on the post below on some of the company’s main achievements over the last five years:

Woodall Homes announces dynamic rebrand

Woodall Homes, with current developments across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, has launched a refreshed brand, marking its continued commitment to providing premium homes for first-time buyers, families and downsizers in the modern market.

Managing Director, Dave Wood commented: “The new Woodall Homes brand reflects our commitment to creating attractive premium-quality homes that enhance homeowners’ lifestyles. Our more dynamic and stylish new look marks our next era, as we continue to deliver timelessly attractive, sleek properties and interiors.”

Based in Barlborough, Woodall Homes have five developments currently under construction across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with exciting plans for the coming years. Having secured funding from The British Growth Fund in 2021, the housebuilder has invested in its people, processes and planning as they take on further sites for growth.

Redbrik, Roy Peters Estates, Edwards Employment Solutions and Woodall Homes 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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Chair’s blog: “Chesterfield is still moving forward with confidence and optimism”

In the face of national and global economic challenges, Chesterfield is once again forging its own path.

Like so many times before, our town is rolling up its sleeves and making change happen for the better. We’ve seen many developments come to fruition over the last couple of years and as a result sites which were previously derelict are now full of life.

New offices at Chesterfield Waterside and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre are already attracting investment and creating jobs for people in our town. There are already 90 people working within the Waterside Offices, and the Enterprise centre is now more than 60% occupied.

News of the extension to the Markham Vale North Industrial development, located at Junction 29a just off the M1 is another boost for our area. To date, Markham Vale has created more than 2,700 jobs, with potentially 800 more on the way thanks to the additional development plots.

Whilst we are all aware that Chesterfield is on the up, we must keep shouting about this as a collective. With a view to maintaining this progress I am excited to see Destination Chesterfield taking the town’s message to the UK’s biggest trade and investment show this May, UKREiiF.

Working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council and businesses in the town’s Property and Construction Group, we will be speaking to colleagues from across the country, helping to explain the wide range of benefits Chesterfield has to offer to inward investors and occupiers.

We’ll make investors aware of our illustrious history of innovation, and our fantastic connectivity and transport links. The fact that you can be in several major cities within just a couple of hours is a huge selling point; one which many other places are quite rightly jealous of!

It’s not just messaging around our town’s range of development sites and commercial workspaces which will be on display.

We will also shout about the fantastic quality of life here in Chesterfield, including our emerging food, drink and leisure offering. There has also been significant new housing delivery in the town over the past few years, which will also appeal to potential occupiers.

The fact that we’re so close to the world-famous Peak District National Park has already attracted major investment – including the £300 million PEAK development, which continues to progress.

Attracting further investment to Chesterfield remains a priority because it benefits everyone connected to the town.

It means more money in the pockets of our residents thanks to the creation of quality jobs, and naturally this leads to more money spent in our independent businesses, helping our economy to grow further.

Whilst we are all understandably concerned by recent reports about the state of the UK’s economy, I am pleased to say that Chesterfield is still moving forward with confidence and optimism – and shows no signs of stopping.

 

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Major clay donation from Chesterfield Champions aids canal restoration

The restoration of the Chesterfield Canal will shortly take a great leap forward, thanks to a huge donation of clay from Suon Ltd.

Chesterfield Canal Trust will be spending £5.3 million on major works. These monies are its share of the Staveley Town Deal.

A substantial section will be rebuilding the historic Staveley Puddlebank. This is a massive structure, spanning 800 metres long and stretching across the Doe Lea Valley.

It was originally constructed in 1776 out of clay dug by hand and moved in wheelbarrows. The structure was 10 meters high when it crossed the river Doe Lea. It was partially bulldozed in 1972, hence the need to remodel it.

The value of the clay runs well into seven figures. It is currently at Foxlow, just north of Barrow Hill.

The total volume is 160,000 cubic metres. If this was all heaped onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium, it would be 22 metres high. That’s the height of a seven storey building or five double decker buses. If it was piled onto the centre court at Wimbledon, it would be over 800 metres high. That’s the same as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building or nearly three times the height of the Shard, Britain’s tallest building.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust says it is incredibly grateful for this wonderful gesture by Suon, and also to the Chatsworth Settlement which has waived its right to the royalties that it held upon the clay.

Nicholas Wood, Estates Director for Chatsworth, commented: “We are very happy to have been able to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust with this project, and we hope it will help enable future generations to enjoy the canal for many years.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Development Manager, George Rogers, said: “Purchasing and transporting suitable materials from other sources would be prohibitively expensive and cause untold disturbance to the local population. Without this incredibly generous donation, the project simply couldn’t proceed in its current form and so the Trust is very grateful for the support and generosity of Suon and Chatsworth. We look forward to continuing our long history of working together to enable the restoration of the canal”.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see project sponsors working together to achieve the overall objectives of the Town Deal. This is an important donation that will help ensure the canal can continue to be enjoyed by local people and visitors, whilst making use of this natural resource in the local area.”

Suon Ltd, Chatsworth Settlement Trustees and Chesterfield Canal Trust support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

staveley puddlebank clay

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Panel session at major UK trade show to shine a light on the huge potential of devolution for our region

The huge potential of devolution for Chesterfield and the wider East Midlands region will be showcased at a major UK trade event this May.

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is leading a panel session at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiif) 2023 in Leeds, to discuss upcoming devolution in the East Midlands for businesses and investors.

The D2N2 region, covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, has a proud industrial and manufacturing track record and is at the forefront of economic development, with the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Development Company recently established.

The region is on track to become the home of the UK’s newest and largest combined authority in 2024. The D2N2 area sits in the heart of the country and is very well connected, and benefits from proximity to infrastructure assets such as East Midlands Airport, the M1 and fast rail links, and its central location means that almost 90% of the UK is accessible within a four hour drive.

The panel session will provide the opportunity for delegates to hear from speakers representing D2N2 LEP, the East Midlands Development Company and key businesses in the region, who will share their insights on the benefits and opportunities devolution will bring to the East Midlands.

Delegates will have the opportunity to get involved in the discussion about what the private sector can bring to complement and enhance the newest and largest devolution deal in England, set to leverage at least £38m per year over 30 years.

The panel session will be chaired by Nicolle Ndiweni, Inward Investment and Business Expansion Specialist, Invest in Nottingham, and the panel of speakers will include:

• Will Morlidge – Chief Executive, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership
• Andrew Roberts – Regional Head of Acquisitions, Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group
• Andy Dabbs – Board Director, Whittam Cox Architects
• Sir Chris Haworth – Chairman, East Midlands Development Company
• Ellie Hinds – Business Development Manager, Scape Group
• Steve Wooler – Chief Executive, BWB

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with D2N2 LEP, Marketing Derby and Invest in Nottingham to showcase the exciting opportunities to invest in the region. One of the region’s many strengths is the effective collaboration between the public and private sector to drive forward sustainable economic growth. The panel session at UKREiif will showcase this work, and how you can get involved in the future.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) commented: “We are delighted to host this panel session at UKREiif. The East Midlands devolution deal is not just about driving more funding from the Government into our region: it is also a very clear signal from Government that the East Midlands is the vibrant industrial heart of the UK and is a great place to invest. Together with the rest of the panel, I am really looking forward to discussing the unique opportunities that devolution will unlock for businesses and investors in the region and beyond.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, added: “As well as championing Derby and Derbyshire, we also regularly collaborate with our partners on projects that benefit the wider region, such as the East Midlands devolution deal, which we are fully behind. Over the years, we have achieved some notable successes, attracting major companies, both national and international, bringing thousands of new jobs to this part of the world and we are excited about the huge potential to do so going forward.”

Lorraine Baggs, Head of Investment at Invest in Nottingham said: “The East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority presents a fantastic opportunity for our region to combine our strengths. Nottingham’s two world-class Universities provide exceptional talent to our strong industries. We’re experiencing more development in Nottingham than ever before with countless cranes in the sky, and two transformational city centre sites in the Broad Marsh and The Island Quarter. The devolution deal will bring more investment into our growing region.”

Places for the session are open to those registered to attend UKREiif and can be booked here.

Chesterfield Crooked Spire view

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , , ,

Exciting Children’s Festival announced for Chesterfield this Summer

A new Children’s Festival is coming to Chesterfield this Summer, providing families with a free weekend of fun and entertainment.

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will include music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops. It is being organised by Junction Arts, an award-winning arts charity based in the town.

Taking place in Queen’s Park on the 29th and 30th July, the event is set to celebrate the joy of childhood, imagination and play – promising to bring colour and excitement to Chesterfield during the summer holidays.

The two-day event will focus on arts and culture, with a number of acts and activities taking place over the weekend.  Entertainment announced so far includes a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, a circus, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face-painting and a brass band that plays everyone’s favourite Disney tunes!

Music and live theatre will take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend, the full line-up will be announced in June.

Junction Arts will also commission a new artwork on the themes of childhood, play and games to celebrate the launch of the festival. Three local primary schools in Chesterfield and surrounding areas will work with the artist during several engagement sessions in the spring.

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, a weekend that’s all about fun with live performances and lots of opportunities to get creative. We have secured lots of high-quality acts already, but we’ll be announcing more very soon!

“Everyone is welcome, there’s no need to register or buy a ticket, families can simply turn up, get involved in the workshops or just enjoy the entertainment on offer. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Junction Arts hope that this will become a much-loved annual event for the town, inspiring children and young people for generations to come.

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July, from 10am-4pm daily.

For more information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartsuk

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

queens park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,