Celebrate Chesterfield

SMH Group completes merger with BCL Accountants

Leeds based accountancy practice, BCL Accountants Limited, have merged into the SMH Group, allowing the firm to offer an increased level of service to its clients backed by the strength of the Yorkshire and Derbyshire based group.

The merger took place on 1st November 2022, with the firm continuing to operate from their office on Pavilion Business Park in Leeds.

The new company, called SMH BCL Accountants Limited, sees existing Managing Director, Chris Nunn start a phased retirement over the next three years, with current co-Director, Stacey Pocklington stepping up into the Partner role. James Hartley and Jonathon Dickens, who lead all operations within the SMH group also join as Directors

The SMH Group offer a full range of business and personal financial services, including accountancy, financial advice, commercial finance, wills & probate, and mortgage advice, to businesses and individuals across region.

Chris Nunn, Managing Director of BCL Accountants Ltd comments: “Having joined BCL Accountants Limited in 1993, and becoming Managing Director in 2002, it is the right time to start phasing in my retirement. We’re delighted to join forces with the SMH Group, a regional firm that has a similar ethos and client focus to ourselves. They’re the perfect fit to ensure we can take BCL Accountants to the next level.

“It is very much business as usual for us – all the current staff will still be on hand, but we now have the resources of a larger firm to ensure we can offer the best all round service for all our clients’ business, personal and family financial requirements.

“Myself, and fellow Director at BCL Accountants Limited, Stacey Pocklington will be continuing, so will be on hand to ensure there is consistency for our clients going forward.

“SMH Group have the expertise to continue to deliver the highest quality service to our clients, as well as introducing their full-service offering meaning they can access all their financial requirements under one roof. I am confident the merger will be of benefit to all our clients and staff alike.”

Jonathon Dickens, Partner at the SMH Group adds: “This latest merger into the SMH Group is an excellent opportunity for both firms – it provides long term security and more added value services for clients of BCL Accountants and allows us to expand the SMH Group into a new area in Leeds, which has been a long-term objective of ours.

“Our thanks go to CMP Legal and Mason Thomas Law, who advised on all the legal aspects of the deal.

“We would like to offer a warm welcome to Chris, Stacey and all staff and clients into the SMH family.”

BCL Accountants specialise in providing accountancy services to a range of businesses, in particular the licensed trade, engineering and building trades. The addition of BCL Accountants Limited into the SMH Group is the sixth merger to take place since 2018, and the second in quick succession with Matlock based Malcom J Harris Ltd joining the group in September 2022.

SMH Group supports 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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25,000 new trees planted in Stand Wood above Chatsworth

A major replanting of Stand Wood, the woodland that sits on the steep hill behind Chatsworth House, is taking place to restore thousands of trees to the landscape which includes the Hunting Tower and four reservoirs.

The Forestry team at Chatsworth is hard at work planting around 25,000 new trees to create a more diverse woodland with a much wider variety of species including oak, hornbeam, birch, alder, sycamore and yew trees across its 383 acres. All of the saplings have been grown in UK nurseries and while different species grow at different rates, most of the tree canopy is expected to be above head height in the next 10-15 years.

John Everitt, Forestry Manager at Chatsworth: “We have records showing the woodland has been planted and replanted many times over the centuries. It’s part of the natural cycle with older trees and plants replaced with new growth – the trees we have recently replanted will soon grow to create a mature woodland again.”

“In fact, one of our retired foresters, Brian Gilbert, recently brought in some photos of him working in Stand Wood in the early 1960s. One particular photo caught my attention and shows a young Brian with a piece of pine pit wood slung over his shoulder, probably for use in the collieries that were such an important part of the local economy at the time.”

“He’s stood on the road between the Hunting Tower and Park Gate Farm, with the timber on his shoulder being felled from the top side of the track as part of a gale tidy up during a bad winter in February 1963. In the background of the picture are young larch, beech, oak and sweet chestnut trees planted following wartime felling. These are the same larch and sweet chestnut trees which we have recently had to fell as mature trees due to the Phytophthora outbreak.”

The replanting of affected areas with a greater mixture of species will help make Stand Wood more disease-resistant as it replaces trees which had to be felled after approximately 5500 trees (3500 tonnes of wood) became infected with a deadly water mould called Phytophthora Ramorum. The mould affects bark and foliage, usually leads to death and particularly damages Larch as well as some other trees and plants

The diseased trees were cut down to help prevent further spread of the disease to other areas of woodland on the estate and in neighbouring woodlands. Working with the Forestry Commission to identify the infected areas, the Chatsworth Forestry team felled and removed all the larch and sweet chestnut trees within these areas and in surrounding areas where larch trees were at risk.

Old paintings of Chatsworth show that the hillside behind the house was completely devoid of trees until it was replanted in the 18th century with the woodland having undergone partial felling and replanting on a number of occasions since. Among the oldest, at the crest, are several mature beech trees from the 18th or early 19th century.

Comprising nearly 4,000 acres, Chatsworth’s woodlands sequester around 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year – almost four times the annual emissions from owned and operated property in the Chatsworth Estate.

Chatsworth Forestry and Arboriculture is responsible for the stewardship and management of all woodlands and individual trees across the entire Chatsworth Estate. The woodlands are managed under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, FSC® certified and audited annually to ensure Chatsworth is operating to the highest industry standards.

Chatsworth supports 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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Reserved Matters approval for 75 new homes in Calow

Woodall Homes has announced Reserved Matters approval for the residential development of 75 dwellings in Calow.

Further to Outline planning permission having been granted in December 2021, the brand-new development located on Top Road has now received Reserved Matters approval.

The new site will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, including bungalows. The development will be accessed from Oaks Farm Lane, which is to be upgraded and will include a 2m wide footpath.

This development includes comprehensive landscaping proposals, providing for broad undeveloped areas of green infrastructure, wildlife-friendly habitats, native planting and additional hedgerows, plus the retention of existing woodland, which is to be protected. The public right of way through the development will also be maintained, providing recreational access to the countryside for the community.

Darren Abbott, planning director at Woodall Homes said: “We can’t wait to get started on the new development, with work expected to begin in early 2023.

“There is already a fantastic community growing within Calow, with our nearby Churchfields progressing well. We love working within the area and I know the entire team are looking forward to the beginning of this next project.”

Woodall Homes currently have five developments currently under construction across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.  For more information on the available properties, visit the website at https://www.woodallhomes.co.uk/developments/#current-developments

The company also recently announced a new luxury eco-development in Chesterfield, featuring some of the latest sustainable technology. Find out more about the project here.

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone. Find out more about living in Chesterfield here.

Woodall Homes supports 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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Global Brands announces £2 million distribution centre expansion

Global Brands, the leading independent drinks company and distributor, are increasing their distribution capabilities with significant expansion to their warehouse facilities in Clay Cross, Derbyshire.

The current Global Brands Distribution Centre has 152,000 sqft of warehouse space, employing 80 members of staff. This expansion will increase the warehouse size to 180,800 sqft, and add 30 members of staff to the production and distribution line at the facilities. The expansion will increase total storage capabilities at the warehouse from 30 million to 40 million bottles, across 17,000 pallets.

Following extensive groundworks, the steel frame is being erected over the next two months, and a concrete slab base will then be poured and set. Works for the 28,800 sqft extension will conclude in January 2023.

The expansion follows a sustained increase in demand versus 2019 (the last year of undisrupted trading) for the company’s portfolio of drinks brands, including VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons, All Shook Up, Shake Baby Shake, Beviamo, Kick Energy, Lustre, and Amigos Tequila Beer.

Steve Perez, Founder and Chairman at Global Brands: “I’m thrilled to announce the expansion of our distribution facilities in Clay Cross, following a sustained increase in demand nationally and huge demand internationally for our key growth brands like Franklin & Sons. The new extension will support our growing operations with additional storage and increased distribution capabilities.

“This is just the first phase in work to continue increasing capabilities at the site over the next two years. We plan to continue investing in our Global Brands Distribution Centre to the point where we can eventually hold one product for every person in the UK.”

Alongside the current construction, Global Brands has recently purchased an adjacent piece of land for further investment into the area and facilities. The acquisition was brokered by BRM Solicitors.

Adrian Sheehan Executive Director at BRM Solicitors: “It is always rewarding to advise on a deal which will bring further development opportunities and employment to the region.

“BRM are proud to stand to shoulder to shoulder with this long-standing client and Chesterfield success story.

“It is great to see Global Brands go from strength to strength and highlights a commitment to Chesterfield.

“The Real Estate team at BRM are delighted to advise Steve and the team at Global, who are always driven and enthusiastic to get deals done quickly and efficiently.”

Steve Perez adds: “BRM have advised Global Brands for the past 35 years, from when the business was just a one-man band, through to becoming one of the largest employers in the area. This is a credit to the expertise that BRM and Adrian Sheehan offer and cater to a variety of business needs.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent place to invest and locate your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Global Brands and BRM Solicitors 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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Join us for a great Christmas in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council is joining forces with Destination Chesterfield again this year to bring you a great selection of events and activities to enjoy in our town.

The Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign, called Everything for the Perfect Christmas, will run from Monday 14 November to 4 January 2023 and has been designed to include something for everyone.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There is lots to get involved in around Chesterfield throughout the festive season.

“The cost of living is affecting everyone, but we have lots of free things for you to do to get into the Christmas spirit, including completing the Elf Trail, visiting the Christmas Lights Switch On, taking a trip to Revolution House or wandering around one or all of our popular markets. We hope you enjoy everything we have planned.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to promote the town and all that it offers this Christmas.

“Chesterfield has a rich mix of independent shops, stores and market traders as well as well-known high street names which offer something for everyone’s tastes and budgets – from food and drink to gifts and experiences. Shopping local this Christmas has never been easier and is an ideal way to support the local economy and its businesses.”

Shopping

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If you are looking to do some festive shopping, Chesterfield has a great range of independent retailers, offering treats and advice if you are unsure what to buy for a friend or family member.

We also have a number of markets taking place in November and December where you could pick up a few special gifts, as noted below:

If you are looking for more gift ideas for Christmas, visit chesterfield.co.uk/Christmas for locally sourced Christmas gifts, locally sourced food and drink for festive celebrations, great places to eat out with friends and family and more ideas for festive events.

Meet Santa in the Market Hall

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Booking is now open to meet Santa in the Market Hall this year. Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto on the Market Hall balcony from 20 November. The cost will be £6.50 per child, which includes a present. Places must be booked in advance online or at the Visitor Information Centre.

Turning on the Christmas Lights

The Christmas Lights Switch On – a firm favourite in the festive calendar – takes centre stage on 20 November. This will be a magical event in the heart of Chesterfield, and everyone is welcome.

The event will run from 12pm to 6pm, with the official lights switch on at 4.45pm.

This year’s special guest, in Chesterfield to meet families ahead of the lights switch on, is Shrek.

Shrek will be making personal appearances at intervals between 12pm and 3pm outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square.

Elf Trail

Have fun exploring Chesterfield and find the festive elves who will be hiding in the windows of our local shops and venues waiting for you to locate them from 21 November 2022 to Wednesday 4 January 2023. Spot them all and you could win a free Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.  Find out more.

Attend our pantomime

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Tickets are now on sale to see Sleeping Beauty at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. You can find out more and book tickets at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/sleeping-beauty-pantomime.

Carol concert at Revolution House

carol concert at revolution house

Revolution House will host a carol concert on Thursday 8 December at 6.30pm with members of Holymoorside Band. Carol sheets will be provided, and we suggest everyone attending wears appropriate clothing and brings a torch (although there will be some lighting on site).

Revolution House will be open from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December, 11am to 3pm.  It will be decorated for Christmas with traditional greenery, including a kissing bough, and a flower festival with arrangements throughout the house, created by volunteers. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

There is lots going on in Chesterfield throughout the festive season for everyone to enjoy, for more information visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

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Chesterfield independent businesses launch ‘Be a Star’ campaign, urging shoppers to support local this Christmas

Businesses of Chesterfield have teamed up to spread the message about the wonderful range of independents in the area and encourage locals to support them this Christmas with their ‘Be a Star and Support Independents’ campaign.

After a generous donation of second-hand star lanterns from fellow Chesterfield-based business, Paper Starlights, the Independent Chesterfield group have distributed these to around 80 businesses across the town centre who are displaying them in their windows.

By shopping at or using the services of businesses displaying these stars, customers know that they are supporting their independents and putting money directly into the local economy. Chesterfield is blessed with a wide variety of independent businesses including shops, hairdressers, market traders, cafes and more, and they need the support of the local community to ensure that the town centre and beyond remains vibrant and continues to grow.

Lisa Swift from Shop Indie said: “I don’t think the people of Chesterfield realise how many amazing independent businesses there are on their doorstep. People come into the shop every week who have just found us and never shopped with us before. This is why we are trying to use the stars to raise the profile of Chesterfield as a wonderful place to shop and eat.”

“Christmas is a time for joy and hope,” adds Laura Jo Owen at Adorn Jewellers. “By choosing independent businesses this year you’ll help to keep Chesterfield a vibrant town and bring happiness to our small business community.”

Alison Swift from Delightful Decor said: “Chesterfield is changing in many positive ways, becoming less about the multinationals and more about the small independent businesses. When people visit us they are often speaking directly to the business owner, telling us they want something a little different and that is where we can accommodate their wishes.”

Caroline Gleadall from TwelfthCraft commented: “In a world where you can shop anywhere, shop local. Make Chesterfield thrive. Love where you live.”

The stars will be on display from November 20th – Christmas Light Switch On – until Christmas, and customers can get involved on social media by tagging their favourite local independents on Instagram and Facebook @independentchesterfield or with #independentchesterfield.

Independent Chesterfield is a group of like-minded business owners with the aim of promoting local businesses. They are all passionate about their local town and want to raise awareness of the wide variety of interesting businesses right here in and around Chesterfield.

Find out more about the great range of local food and drink, gifts and activities on offer this Christmas at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Adorn Jewellers supports 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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Chesterfield’s Regeneration Award winner praises ‘collaborative effort’ on landmark housing project

The winner of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Award for Regeneration, which celebrates the built environment in Chesterfield, has heaped praise on the team who made it possible.

A collaborative project between Chesterfield Borough Council and Henry Boot Construction, Badger Croft is described as the ‘largest council housing development in a generation’ in Chesterfield. The £4.1m development has seen 21 brand-new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green.

The development is providing families with modern homes that have been designed for a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are delighted that the Badger Croft development has been recognised and won the regeneration award at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards. The win really is a testament to all the hard work and dedication that has been put in by the council, alongside our partners, Henry Boot Construction.

“Badger Croft is the biggest council housing development of this generation in Chesterfield and marks a huge milestone in our efforts to increase the housing supply across the borough.

“Creating attractive places for residents is at the very heart of what we do and these new properties allow us to provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for families in our borough.”

We recently caught up with Tony Shaw, Managing Director at Henry Boot Construction, to get the company’s reaction to winning the award…

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Tell us how pleased you are to have won the Regeneration Award at the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022!

We are delighted that Badger Croft won the Regeneration Award, the project was a collaborative effort between everyone involved which led to a brilliant end product, so it’s great to see the project recognised for its regenerative impact in Chesterfield. The Regeneration award is testament to the hard work of the team in transforming the area into quality housing for local families.

How exciting has the Badger Croft project been to work on as a company, and how much of a benefit has the project had on our local community?

As a company based in Dronfield, working on the project with Chesterfield Borough Council had a really local feeling and this was emphasised by our trusted supply chain, with the brickwork, joinery, plastering, plumbing, roofing and window installation all completed by subcontractors who were based within 20 miles of the site.

In conjunction with the Council, we worked closely with Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to implement key landscaping works in the surrounding area. These works were designed to enhance the attractiveness of the area and boost biodiversity. It included the creation of wildflower meadow paths, new wooden planters and fruit trees, all for the benefit of the local community.

Sustainable development is of upmost importance currently – Tell us about the measures you’ve put in place at Badger Croft to ensure the new homes are efficient.

As champions of sustainability, we completely understood the Council’s need for Badger Croft to take account of environmental issues and contribute to a greener future. The new homes were fitted with increased levels of insulation. These naturally warm and energy-efficient homes are not only better for the environment, but they also reduce the running costs for tenants – something that is extremely important in a period of rising living costs and fuel poverty. The homes also boast electric vehicle charging points in the driveways, helping to future-proof the development and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.

With Chesterfield becoming an increasingly attractive place for young families, how vital is it that we create affordable housing to ensure continued growth in the town?

Projects like Badger Croft are of paramount importance to delivering Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increase the supply of affordable properties across the borough. The project is a prime example of how under-utilised brownfield land can be transformed into bright modern homes, not only providing a place for people to live and thrive, but improving the look and feel of the surrounding area. With a mix of 21 new accessible, efficient 3-4 bedroom homes, this is the largest council housing development in the borough since the 1980s. All the homes were added to the Council’s housing register and let to local families.

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group works collaboratively with Chesterfield Borough Council to highlight the town’s ongoing regeneration. Why is creating strong relationships between public and private sector so important?

Chesterfield is a hive of regeneration activity and it is brilliant to see a number of other exciting completed and on-going projects constantly improving Chesterfield’s offer. We believe in nurturing a collaborative approach across all our operations – by building strong relationships with all our public and private sector partners, all parties benefit from increased expertise and open communication, ensuring the Badger Croft project proceeded smoothly. The final result was only possible through an open culture of strong engagement between Henry Boot, its specialist consultants and supply chain and the team at Chesterfield Borough Council.

Find out more about the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Property and Construction Group, which brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield

https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/ 

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Made in Chesterfield returns to connect manufacturing and engineering businesses with next generation of employees

The annual Made in Chesterfield festival, which aims to get more local young people interested in careers in businesses operating in the town’s engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses has returned for the eighth consecutive year.

Co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, the 2022 Made in Chesterfield festival was officially launched at Chesterfield College.

Speaking at the event, Reece Berry (20), Software Engineer Apprentice at Weightron Bilanciai and a former pupil of St Mary’s Catholic High School, said: “Young people need to be aware of apprenticeship opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing sector. They offer brilliant careers for young people.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real, live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways.

“Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with the training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.”

During the four-week festival, which runs until Friday 2 December, young people from Chesterfield’s secondary schools will be introduced to the varied science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers available in local businesses through a number of workplace visits and events.

Performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic, engineering business MSE Hiller and manufacturer United Cast Bar are amongst a number of businesses who are inviting young people to their workplaces during the campaign.

The annual festival is playing a key role in helping address the technical skills shortage amongst businesses locally. According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43 per cent of STEM vacancies nationally are hard to fill, mainly because of a shortage of applicants with the required skills and experience.

Since launching in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has introduced more than 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available within local businesses operating in the STEM sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, commented on being part of the annual initiative: “It’s fantastic for us to be able to showcase our industry and business to young people and encourage them to consider a career path that may not have been on their mind beforehand. We have been involved with Made in Chesterfield since the campaign began and it has helped us attract young people into the business in both apprenticeship roles and work experience placements.

“Each year, Made in Chesterfield makes a real difference to local businesses, education providers and young people. I am delighted to see it return once again.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group explains, “It’s vitally important we continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. We are proud to play our part in the growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally. The increasing development of STEM in Chesterfield is something we have mirrored in our curriculum with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Partnering with initiatives such as Made in Chesterfield and working with local employers and schools, our core focus is to provide a clear, aspirational pathway for the next generation of local workforce be that through full time study, apprenticeships, T-Levels or higher education. Our mission of inspiring futures and changing lives is brought into clear focus through working with Made in Chesterfield and we are delighted to once again host this year’s launch event.”

Made in Chesterfield is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and with support from Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/.

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Junction Arts receives funding for a further 3 years

Arts Council England is continuing to support Junction Arts through the National Portfolio programme, ensuring the organisation can continue its work in the community for the next three years.

The funding totals £757,293 for the period 2023 – 2026. This is an uplift in funding for the next three years which will support Junction Arts ambitious plans to develop new work with more communities in Bolsover, Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire.

The uplift in funding is a reflection of Arts Council England’s commitment to boost spending in arts, museums and libraries in villages, towns and cities where investment is currently too low.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Paul Steele, said: “We are very excited and incredibly grateful to receive this funding. The uplift will enable us to deliver with more communities in North Derbyshire ensuring that more people take part in creativity and experience high-quality culture in areas that are currently underserved by investment.

“In particular it will enable us to work with more young people and offer more opportunities to get involved in creativity. We believe passionately in the positive impact the arts can have on people and places and have witnessed first hand how the arts can improve well-being and inspire positive change.

“These areas deserve to benefit from these impacts in just the same way as our neighbours in the larger cities and this investment goes some way towards increasing these opportunities for local people.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy great art and culture on their doorsteps and Junction Arts provides arts events, festivals and activities for rural communities across the East Midlands.

“We’re delighted to be increasing our investment over the next three years and it will be great to see them inspire more people – no matter what their background – to enjoy arts and culture.”

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps.

“We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”

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.

Junction Arts at the Tapton Lock Festival

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Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness reports strong growth in America

Chesterfield hot tub supplier Superior Wellness has continued to focus on growth throughout the year, with the US being the company’s main priority.

The sales team have signed up 19 new US partners during 2022, only 18 months after entering the country.

The strong team based in the US consists of sales managers, Chris Hawley, and Rocky Holt, who has recently joined Superior Wellness. They are supported by the sales and logistics team based at the Chesterfield head office.

Trade shows have been a huge focus for Superior Wellness over in the US. The team had a strong presence at the recent Aqua Live show in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they met up with potential future partners and offered product demonstrations. The next trade show based in the US is the International PSP Expo in Vegas, on 15 November, where the brand new AquaSolus range is being launched for the first time. This is a great opportunity for potential partners to get a first look at this range and ask any learn more.

US Partners who sign up to work with Superior Wellness receive a wide range of benefits, including,

  • Dedicated American Account Managers
  • Competitive pricing with a great product range
  • 3 US based warehouses in Fontana, California and Savannah, North Carolina – meaning partners can order stock as they sell and don’t need to get a full container or truck load
  • Access to the parts hub in the US with a 24-hour response rate
  • Dedicated US support line to help with technical queries and after sales
  • Support from in-house expertise in sales, marketing, operations and logistics
  • Access to the Superior Wellness bespoke built CRM system, you will have access to view the status of your orders, be able to download marketing materials and place orders
  • A variety of training days designed to improve your technical knowledge of the products ranges, as well as sales training and an annual conference.

Sales Director Gareth Ward said: “Superior Wellness have been in the US market for just under two years, in this time we have added over 20 new partners to our ever-growing partner network. Our goal is by the end of 2024 to have over 100 partners in the US, to help achieve our goals we have created 4 new models which are perfect for the US market.

“We have invested heavily in our marketing and our trade show attendances to showcase our amazing product to the US market. We want to replicate the USP’s we have in the UK and European market that has led to our huge growth by offerings unrivalled after sales support and quality products. To do this we have opened warehouse facilities on the east coast and the west coast to best serve the partners we have on board and the new partners we are onboarding.

“With our warehouse locations this makes our product much more accessible for partners as they do not have to pay huge road freight charges from one coast to the other. Our two Regional Sales Managers have a wealth of experience in the industry, and we are using their expertise to bring further improvements to our US growth strategy. As we continue to grow our aim is to open a Superior Wellness HQ in the US, where we can hold, training days, partner conferences and much more.”

Superior Wellness supports 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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“Having a ready and skilled workforce will help us attract new investment to the area”

Destination Chesterfield Chair Peter Swallow has penned his views on the success of the recent Love Chesterfield Awards and looks ahead to the innovative MADE in Chesterfield campaign, which helps engage young people with manufacturing, engineering, property and construction businesses. 

As chair of Destination Chesterfield, I was honoured to attend of the Love Chesterfield Awards recently. As I looked around the packed room at the Winding Wheel, I felt very proud to be part of the town.

I saw passion, enthusiasm and dedication from the owners, employees, family and friends of the 34 businesses represented there on the night. All the businesses were independently owned and many of them operate on the high street. Through these businesses and the investment being made in the town, I am confident we are creating a town centre that will meet the needs of not only shoppers and visitors but the businesses that are based there.

The town centre of the future is one that delivers an experience, a product or service that you can’t get online or from an out-of-town retail park or shopping centre. Independents are critical to this vision. It is not only their products and services that people visit them for, but also their warm welcome, knowledge and customer service.

The town has a long and proud tradition of independent businesses that starts with our market – described by Cllr Kate Sarvent at the awards as ‘the beating heart of Chesterfield’. It may have its origins in the 13th century, but the market is as important to our future as it is to our past, proven by Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious plans to develop the spaces within the market.

Internet shopping has been a large factor in this as have our increasingly busy lives. However, Chesterfield has all the raw ingredients to create a thriving town centre of the future – a multi-functional social centre. They are about enjoyment, creativity, learning, socialising, culture, health and wellbeing and democratic engagement – a ‘21st century agora’ where people engage in the life of their locality. Independent businesses are key to this, as are event spaces and town centre living.

Through annual campaigns like Love Chesterfield and the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector celebration – Made in Chesterfield, which takes place this month, we aim not only to celebrate the sectors but also raise awareness of the plethora of careers and opportunity available in them to young people. They are the future skilled workers of these sectors and key to the businesses already here thriving but, having a ready and skilled workforce will help us attract new investment to the area. Likewise, we must also ensure we create the environment that young people want to live and grow their career. Investment is happening throughout the borough to ensure this.

£26million alone is being spent enhancing the town centre. Work has begun on improvements to the Market Place, New Square, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square and Burlington Street.

Together with the major refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall on Corporation Street and the reimaging of the market and market squares we will have a town centre that delivers on every level and, importantly, for everybody. Young people in particular I hope, will see a future for themselves on the high street as both shoppers, visitors and entrepreneurs.

The £26million project is aptly named Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’. Looking around the room at the Love Chesterfield Awards – seeing both the winners and finalists, I can say with confidence that Chesterfield’s town centre has a very strong heartbeat already.

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

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