Celebrate Chesterfield

Robinson receives FSC certification to boost sustainability credentials

Robinson, a sustainable packaging manufacturer based in Chesterfield has announced it has received a prestigious sustainability certification for its Paperbox division.

Forest Stewardship council ® (FSC)’s pioneering certification system, which now covers more than 195 million hectares of forest, enables businesses and consumers to choose wood, paper and other forest products made with materials that support responsible forestry.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, says this is a major step forward for the company, its customers, and the environment. She added: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded FSC certification for our rigid box packaging business. This is another step in making our business more sustainable, together with ensuring our packaging is made from up to 100% recycled board which is in turn recyclable.’

FSC certification ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

This further demonstrates the investment that the company is making in its Paperbox business, following a significant investment in its new SATE box-making machine in Chesterfield, with improved quality and a reduced carbon footprint that allows customers to avoid long, complex supply chains from Asia.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating widely recyclable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

The news follows Chesterfield Borough Council’s publication of its new climate strategy for the town, which is laying the groundwork for Chesterfield to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050. The new strategy will direct how the council works with industry in the future, ensuring sustainability and climate change a central theme of everything it does. Read more about the strategy here.

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

Helene Roberts - Robinson PLC

 

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

New Chesterfield hair salon nominated for three national awards

A Chesterfield hairstylist has been nominated for three accolades at the 2023 UK Hair and Beauty Awards, having only opened a few months ago.

Jessica Peprah, owner of Jpepss Beauty, based in the Clocktower Business Centre near Staveley says she is delighted to be nominated, just months after opening the business.

The salon offers a number of specialist hair services which have previously not been offered in many places locally, including a variety of braiding styles.

The three categories Jessica will be in the running for at the prestigious national ceremony are:

  • Best hairstylist of the year
  • Rising star
  • Best new talent

Jessica commented: “I have always been passionate about helping others feel confident and beautiful through my work, and I knew from a young age that this was the career path I wanted to pursue.

“I have honed my skills and developed a strong expertise in a wide variety of hair braiding styles, styling, cutting, extensions and customised wig making.

“The services that I offer are not that common in my area. Most of my clients used to travel to have these hair services done as there was no one offering it locally.”

The business has recieved support from the Vision Derbyshire start-up scheme, which offers grants and advice to businesses starting up in the area. Jessica also believes being located in Staveley has been ideal in helping to grow her business so quickly.

She added: “I absolutely love being based in Staveley. I am very close to the M1 and also very close to town, which makes it so easy for my clients to visit the salon. I have also been getting a lot of support of the community which I really appreciate.”

Looking to the future, Jessica is hoping to continue spreading the word about her unique services in the local area: “There are not many people offering these services in Chesterfield, so getting all the support now will lead to a long-lasting and proper expanded business which the town will love.”

Find out more about the salon on Facebook.

jessica peprah

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Double award win for Banner Jones at prestigious regional ceremony

The team at Banner Jones Solicitors are celebrating after winning two awards at the prestigious Sheffield & District Law Society Awards.

The event took place on the 17th of February at the historic Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield. It saw the Employment Team take home the accolade for the second consecutive year.

Banner Jones’ Chief Executive and Head of Personal Injury, Simon Wright, was also awarded Partner of the Year in recognition of his expertise within his field, his dedication to his clients and his continued contribution to the business’s success.

The firm’s conveyancing department, which is widely recognised for its customer service led approach and use of technology, was also shortlisted for the Residential Property of the Year Award but narrowly missed out on the night.

Commenting on the news Banner Jones’ Chief Executive, Simon Wright, said: “The Sheffield & District Law Society Awards provide an opportunity for the local legal community to come together to celebrate our many achievements and successes from across the year.

“It is therefore a real privilege and an honour to have been shortlisted in three categories, and to have taken home two of the awards. Our collective success is a real testament to the hard work and dedication that everyone at the firm has shown over the past 12 months.

“A huge congratulations in particular goes to our Employment Law team, and I am personally delighted to have won the Partner of the Year award.”

This is the second year in a row that the Banner Jones employment team, which prides itself on offering high-quality advice in a user-friendly, cost-effective manner to individuals, businesses, and charities, has won Employment Law Team of the Year.

Commenting on the award win Katie Ash, Head of Banner Jones’ Employment team, said: “We are delighted to have won Employment Law Team of the Year for the second time.

“It has been a pleasure to help guide our clients through the past year and we are very much looking forward to building on those relationships throughout 2023 and beyond.”

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

banner jones award win

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

Popular Chesterfield venue reveals new name, look and menu in major revamp

A well-known Chesterfield bar and venue has undergone a major change with an entirely new name, brand and look – following an extensive refurbishment.

Formerly known as The County Music Bar, Gasoline is excited to be welcoming customers old and new to its revamped premises on Saltergate. The bar has now evolved into an American Style venue, offering a great range of food, music, sport and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Owners Phillip and Lauran Deacon have worked with their team for more than a year on the new look and feel for the venue, and hope to have created a friendly hub for people in Chesterfield and further afield to enjoy.

Phillip commented: “We wanted to create a venue that people could enjoy socially with friends. We developed the idea of an ‘American style’ bar which focuses on the social aspect of enjoying the company of friends and strangers, with multiple types of entertainment.

“We still support live music and will be launching a number of targeted events to help promote new and upcoming bands, as well as supporting local favourites with gigs. We have invested in the latest TVs and projection systems to be able to show a huge range of sporting events and films and also music related items.”

The new features don’t end there either, as Phillip confirmed a host of other games and activities to provide customers with fun and entertainment. He added: “We have arcade machines set up for friends to challenge each other, going back to the bygone age of gaming and enjoying the many retro titles we all grew up with.

“More traditionally. we have a pool table in its own dedicated area and also we have ‘smart’ darts which allow you to connect your smart phone to the board and play multiple fun versions of dart-related games.

“The ever-popular Jukebox provides millions of songs for customers to choose and can even be accessed from the comfort of their seat via smartphone. The atmosphere is relaxed, but we will be maintaining a very controlled and grown-up take on entertainment and environment. We are first and foremost and ‘American Bar,’ and our primary objective will always be the comfort and safety of our customers.”

Gasoline has also begun serving a fresh new menu of classic American dishes, with tacos and wings heading up everything from loaded nachos, loaded fries and even ‘Frickles’ (Fried Pickles). A range of vegan options are also available, including the “Philly Cheese Fake,” which has been a popular choice among guests since the bar’s relaunch.

gasoline bar food

For those brave enough, the bar is home to the “wings of regret” challenge, which requires participants to eat three blisteringly spicy hot wings in an allowed time, and then having to regret it for five minutes afterwards without relief from a drink. Those who complete the task win a gallon of beer for their table and a place on the ‘wall of flame.’

Phillip added that he hopes people in the town and beyond get behind the venture, and support Chesterfield’s independent food, drink and hospitality scene: “We believe it is hugely important that people support their local venues, but we also realised that we had to evolve to create something worth supporting.

“In this current adverse climate, we believe it’s important to give people value for money in terms of a day or night out. We can provide a great, fun environment which means your money feels like it’s going towards an experience. The community deserves exciting new businesses which will help to keep and attract the next generation to our town.

“Chesterfield has so much potential to thrive and grow. With great transport links, we can welcome visitors from outside of the area as well as local communities. We are excited to play our part in welcoming more people to the area.”

Find out more about Gasoline on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye out for the venue’s new website, which will be launching in the near future.

If you’re looking to find out more about visiting Chesterfield, from things to do with the family to great nights out, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

gasoline bar 1

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

£100m to be invested in council housing across Chesterfield

Around £100m is to be spent on improving council homes across Chesterfield over the next five years – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s continued commitment to enhance the borough’s housing offer and meet the needs of residents.

Councillors agreed to the ambitious Housing Capital Programme at a meeting of full council on Wednesday 22 February.

The Housing Capital Programme sets out the investment priorities for 2023/24 and the medium-term investment through to 2027/28 to ensure that the council can continue to meet the decent homes standard, further improve the energy efficiency of its houses, and provide good quality, affordable and accessible homes for people in Chesterfield.

Modernisation and refurbishment of the council’s existing homes continues to be a key focus of the council’s programme of works throughout 2023/2024.

Over the next 12 months, the council will be delivering improvements to kitchens and bathrooms, carrying out roof and window replacements, and making necessary adaptations to properties to help older people and disabled people to remain living independently in their homes.

Further fire safety improvements will also be made and additional investment will be made to help tackle damp and mould in homes.

The ongoing block refurbishment programme will continue, with more blocks of flats set to benefit from a facelift. Environmental works will also see fences, gates and footpaths upgraded to improve the overall appearance of local neighbourhoods.

As well as investing in its existing properties, the council recognises the need to build and purchase new homes to help meet the increasing need for good quality affordable housing in Chesterfield and replace homes sold through the Right to Buy scheme.

As part of this commitment, the council has committed more than £30m to increasing the housing supply across the borough. This includes plans to build 96 new homes, with housing developments at Middlecroft, Westwood Avenue and Markham Court.

An additional 35 new-build homes are also set to be purchased by the council from developers on Newhall Road and Linacre Road.

In response to the climate emergency that was declared by the council in July 2019, the council is also committed to ensuring that all of its homes are energy efficient – allowing Chesterfield to become a low carbon, resilient and sustainable borough. This commitment will be reflected within all capital projects.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our aim as always is to enhance Chesterfield’s housing offer so that people of all ages can find, and live in a quality home they can afford. Our capital programme shows that we are committed to improving our housing stock to ensure it meets the needs of the people of Chesterfield, as well actively contributing to the climate change agenda by ensuring all homes are energy efficient.

“Investing in affordable and social housing has never been as important, so it is vital that we continue to enhance the borough’s housing needs and supply affordable homes.”

badger croft chesterfield

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

Derbyshire’s Shine A Light festival marks another successful year

Shine A Light has been hailed a success for the second year running, with the after-dark spectacular attracting more than 6,000 visitors to Derbyshire attractions.

Crowds were dazzled by stunning large-scale audio-visual displays featuring awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in the season finale at Hardwick Hall on Friday and Saturday last week (17th and 18th February)

The weekend marked the end of an 8-date run at 4 iconic Derbyshire venues, which included Barrow Hill Roundhouse and most recently Hardwick Hall.

Delivered by internationally renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light was commissioned to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “The return of Shine A Light in 2022/23 promised to be even bigger and better – and it didn’t disappoint.

“We’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which provide excellent family entertainment for tourists and residents alike and I’m pleased to say we’ve had some fantastic feedback.

“Illuminos really are masters of their craft and we look forward to building on the success of the last 2 seasons of Shine A Light for a third run later this year – so watch this space!”

The cutting-edge animations ran at regular intervals throughout the events, with each display incorporating a live performance from a brass quartet featuring trumpeters and trombonists brought together by the Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership.

Matt Dillon, Visitor Experience and Operations Manager at Hardwick Hall, said: “We’re delighted to host Shine a Light in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, and for this wonderful opportunity to highlight the fascinating history of Hardwick and it’s proud former owner Bess.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Shine A Light has entertained thousands of people with magical displays at some of Derbyshire’s most iconic heritage venues. As well as bringing local history to life, these special events have provided a great opportunity for communities to come together and appreciate some of the brilliant attractions on our doorstep.

“Shine A Light has also played a key role in supporting the recovery of local visitor economy businesses whilst encouraging off-peak visits to the area, and we can’t wait to see what the third season has in store.”

shine a light barrow hill

Shine a Light Festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

 

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

New Climate Strategy agreed in Chesterfield

A new Climate Change Strategy was agreed at Chesterfield Borough Council’s full council meeting last night (22 February 2023) setting out the council’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

Deputy Leader Councillor Amanda Serjeant proposed the new strategy in front of councillors and members of the public, emphasising the council’s ongoing commitment to tackle the climate emergency.

The updated strategy is building on the success of ambitious work already underway to help the council become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, and to lay the groundwork for Chesterfield to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

In 2019, the council declared a Climate Emergency – and with support from members of the local community created its first Climate Change Action Plan. This plan is now coming to an end, and the council has reduced emissions by around a third (32%) from when it declared the climate emergency in 2019 to the end of the financial year 2021/22.

Chesterfield Borough Council  has achieved a lot in the last four years including a securing £1.5million of funding to improve the energy rating of private rented sector and privately owned homes, making sustainability and climate change a central theme of the latest Local Plan, ensuring all of the council’s energy comes from renewable sources and planting almost 6000 trees.

The new strategy will direct how the council works with industry in the future, ensuring sustainability and climate change a central theme of everything it does.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re working hard to do all we can to ensure we meet our targets for Chesterfield borough. We’re now moving to the next phase of these plans and this updated strategy will underpin our ongoing efforts to achieve our robust targets – ensuring we continue to act now, to safeguard our future.

“Climate Change is the biggest and most important challenge humanity faces globally, as well as in the local area. Carbon reduction is vitally important, and the new Climate Change strategy we have introduced will help towards making significant changes in our progress towards becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030”.

The strategy was developed using an extended evidence base, including a consultation where residents, businesses and community groups were invited to comment on the new strategy late last year. All the feedback received has been considered and helped Chesterfield Borough Council to finalise the document.

For more detail on this you can access the consultation summary report and the strategy document on the council’s website.

You can also find out more about the council’s progress to tackle climate change, and sign up to the Climate Action Now newsletter, on the council’s website.

PV installation Custom Solar

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

Chesterfield is open for business as Council approves new growth strategy

An ambitious plan which sets out a long-term vision for economic growth – including a focus on quality jobs for local people, access to higher level skills, and environmental sustainability – has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The new four-year Growth strategy (2023 – 2027) represents a long-term commitment from the council to make Chesterfield a thriving borough by strengthening local skills provision, supporting local businesses and further cementing Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination.

It builds on the success of the last decade which has seen the creation of more than 2000 new jobs and more than 500 new businesses operating in the area, along with significant regeneration and investment across the borough.

The strategy – which was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 22 February – also has environmental sustainability at its heart, supporting the target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This strategy is vital to ensuring our borough remains a thriving place to live and work, where everyone has the opportunity to boost their skills, and has access to quality jobs.

“It’s also crucial that we build environmental considerations into our long-term plans, as part of our ongoing commitment to create a sustainable borough for future generations and ensuring we do all we can to reduce carbon emissions.

“The plan builds on our successes over the last ten years including the creation of more than 2000 jobs, and with over 500 new businesses operating in the area.”

The strategy includes five key objectives, which are:

  1. Help businesses to grow and secure new business investment in the borough.
  2. Build a competitive place infrastructure that accelerates employment and housing growth.
  3. Strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres
  4. Develop Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
  5. Ensure local people have the right skills to support progression in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Councillor Gilby added: “Despite the ongoing economic challenges which are facing towns and cities across the country, Chesterfield is not standing still – we are an ambitious borough and this strategy reflects that. It focusses on higher value growth while balancing our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Within each of the strategy’s objectives, several key activities have been developed. For example, to help encourage growth the current Innovation Support Programme will continue to run for the benefit of local businesses.

Projects like the Derbyshire Rail Investment Vehicle (DRIIVe) and Construction Skills Hub – both of which are being funded through the Staveley Town Deal – will help deliver new training facilities to ensure local people can develop the skills to access high quality careers.

Regeneration within Chesterfield town centre, including the Stephenson Memorial Hall renovation and Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will continue to contribute to strengthening the town’s position as a visitor destination and to meet the needs of residents. These are complemented by the HS2 Station Master Plan, the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside scheme and the major PEAK resort development which promises to be a landmark tourist destination within the borough.

The full strategy is available to read on the council’s website here.

town hall drone shot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and University of Derby recognised by Student Nursing Times Awards

Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership project ‘Community Chesterfield’ has been named as a finalist for its work with the University of Derby in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards.

The Student Nursing Times Awards is the largest student and nurse education awards in the country, and will take place at the end of April.

It recognises the work of individual student nurses, and the organisations and groups that help them excel. The finalists have been named, and now have to present to the judges to see who will be named the winner at the awards in Mayfair, London.

DVA’s Community Chesterfield project won the award last year, and the team is hoping to retain the title in 2023.

The partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby is a great example of how charity organisations and universities can come together to have a positive impact on healthcare.

Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer at DVA commented: “Our partnership project being recognised as a finalist in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards is a testament to its success. We hope to impress the judges next month to win for the second year running.”

The collaboration between the two organisations has enabled nursing students to gain access to free training, placements, events, and opportunities to meet and network with community groups and experts, giving them invaluable experience in the healthcare sector. The university’s support for the charity’s work has also helped to strengthen relationships within the local community, helping to provide essential resources to community groups throughout Derbyshire.

This partnership is an inspiring example of how university-charity connections can have a meaningful impact on healthcare education as well as the ability to prepare future healthcare professionals for success.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

team community chesterfield

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

Tinchy Stryder and A1 among the exciting acts confirmed for Chesterfield Pride 2023

Chesterfield Pride has confirmed a host of exciting new acts for the 2023 festival, including 90’s boyband A1 and rapper Tinchy Stryder.

The festival returns this summer to Stand Road Park on Sunday July 23rd, and organisers say they have a huge event planned.

The festival which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and is one of the largest of it’s kind in our region, will host two stages packed with entertainment, market stalls, fabulous food vendors and more.

Headlining the University of Derby Main Stage will be 90’s boyband A1. They head a stellar line up including Tinchy Stryder, Stooshe, Alex Party and Lolly, with more acts still to be announced.

Over on the Kranlee Cabaret Stage, the festival has confirmed it will be headlined by Lawrence Chaney, who was the season two winner of Ru Paul’s Drag race.

The Cabaret Stage will see amazing performers from tribute artists, drag queens and the best of unsigned local artists including Sammy Murdock, Poppy-Mai and Alfie Darlin.

Organiser Dan Walker commented: “I am so excited for this summer’s event. This is our biggest ever line up of artists. We have some amazing talent performing from artists who have sold millions worldwide to amazing local performers.

“There is so much going on throughout the day. We have amazing food vendors, our brand new KidsZone, market area and lots more. We are proud to be a community event open to everyone”

The annual event is open to everyone with tickets starting at just £5 (+booking fee). Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. There are a limited amount of Van Dyk VIP passes remaining for the event. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about the great range of events and activities taking place throughout Chesterfield this Summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Chesterfield Pride

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

Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio brings local housing development to life with immersive digital experience

A Chesterfield company which specialises in creating immersive digital experiences has worked to bring a local housing development to life.

Oasis Studio’s EyeSiteView brand creates immersive & interactive CGI for property marketing and sales, with the technology recently being implemented to showcase the William Davis Homes’ Skylarks development in Dunston.

Only a five-minute drive from Chesterfield, Skylarks is a development nestled in the Derbyshire countryside. William Davis wanted to invest in a virtual toolkit that drives engagement from their increasingly digitally-savvy customer base.

Oasis Studio is based just over a mile away from where the development is taking place. The content created by the firm is now being used across the William Davis website, social media and sales centre.

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio commented: “As technology continually evolves, we are noticing an increasing demand from developers and house-builders to be able to start selling their homes much earlier.

“However, to be able to achieve this, buyers also need to feel like they are able to make well-informed decisions in order to make a sizable financial commitment. So, that’s where we come in. Using a combination of VR, AR & CGI, we can allow house buyers to explore sites, houses and even customise their kitchens to fit their requirements, all before any bricks are even laid.”

Speaking on the local linkup with William Davis on the Skylarks project, Tony added: “Chesterfield is obviously the heart of where our business is. We have several employees here who live locally or who have been brought up in Derbyshire, so it’s very rewarding to be able to not only see these developments enhance our surrounding towns but also to be involved in the journey.

“From the initial CAD drawings, our talented team create amazing interactive experiences that really impact the sales of property, so to see all that hard work come to life is very satisfying.”

We are experts in guiding housebuilders through a digital transformation. By creating highly accurate ‘3D digital twins’ of developments before they exist, our 360 Virtual Tours, Active Siteplans and Home Configurators really help bring them to life. Ultimately, it allows house buyers the ability to make well-informed decisions more quickly, and increase those all-important off-site sales.

Find out more at: www.eyesiteview.co.uk or on our social media channels: @eyesiteview

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

skylarks eyesiteview

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