Celebrate Chesterfield

Recognition for Chesterfield Champions as finalists confirmed for Generation Next Awards

Some of the most promising young talent across businesses in the region has been recognised among the finalists of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next Awards 2022.

The shortlist includes Craig Evans of Chesterfield Champion business UKATA, who has been shortlisted for the Future Leader Award. The University of Derby’s Fred Gough also made the list of finalists for the Diversity & Inclusion award.

The second instalment of the awards, held in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby, recognise young professionals and business leaders aged under 35, as well as organisations led by people in this demographic.

A shortlist has now been revealed across the 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.

New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

A virtual judging day will take place on 8 and 9 June, in which finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber of commerce’s senior management team, Generation Next board and representative of the sponsor.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We received some brilliant applications from a diverse breadth of individuals, and our shortlist of finalists offers a glimpse into the amazing young talent that exists here in the East Midlands.”

Finalists were announced at an event held at Cosy Club, in Nottingham, last night (25 May) in which two of the three founders of Derby-based doughnut delivery service Project D – who won the Entrepreneur of the Year category at the inaugural Generation Next Awards – talked about their journey to date and hopes for the future.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Tickets cost £65 + VAT for Generation Next members and £75 + VAT for non-members. Early-bird tickets are available at bit.ly/GenNextAwards

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

Generation Next Awards 2022 shortlist

Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby)

Craig Evans – UKATA

Matilda Swanson – Loates HR

Mir Patel – Unique Window Systems

Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment

Emma Roberts – Derby Community Parent Programme CIC

Dan Heffernan – D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

David Maran – MP Digital Limited

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

Umar Razah – Mauricare Homes

 

Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Sophie Redman – Linford Grey Associates

Kevin Kapezi & Leo Worsley – Growthack Ltd

 

Customer Service Award

Danielle Harkness – Plastek UK

James Hardwick – Future Life Wealth Management

Anxhela Agaci – Gents of Notts

Arran Gessey – Bam Boom Cloud

Ben Wilkinson – MHA MacIntyre Hudson

 

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College

Emily Jacob – emh group

Frank Hemmingway – Plastek UK

Polly Oakes – Express Recruitment

Rebecca Houlston – Cross Productions

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

 

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Fred Gough – University of Derby

Jake Wood – Jake Wood PT

Martin Croft – Barrister Link

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

 

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)

Adam Bamford – Colleague Box

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery

 

Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)

David Maran – MP Digital

Harsh Shah – De Montfort University

Jack Hall – Scenariio

Nicola Ciaessen – RSM UK

Rachel Saunders – Duncan & Toplis

 

Sustainability Award (sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson)

Carys Tetlaw – RSM UK

Daniel Kelk – Plastek UK

Jake Hall – Scenariio

 

Creative Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Deng Yudan – Follow the Orient

Joey Lever – Another World Media

Katie Brennan – Cross Productions

Sophie Price and Tom Dennis – My Town Vision

 

Volunteer Award (sponsored by RSM UK)

George Hanvere – Paragon Law

Izzy Plummer – TTK Confectionery

Taylor Gee – 360 Autoleasing East Midlands

2021 Generation Next Awards Ceremony

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Heart of Chesterfield included in Midlands Engine Investment Portfolio

The Midlands Engine partnership has launched the Midlands Investment Portfolio – a ‘digital front door’ opening up investment opportunities across the region, with the heart of Chesterfield included in the range of investment opportunities available across the region.

Taken together, it is estimated these opportunities could support or create a staggering 220,000 jobs and deliver more than £33bn in Gross Development Value.

Within the digital portfolio, the ‘Heart of Chesterfield’ entry states: “Through a range of significant regeneration and redevelopment underway across the town, Chesterfield is building on its industrial roots and market town heritage to become a contemporary destination with a prosperous future.

“Developments underway have already delivered new business units, office accommodation, innovation centres, modern housing, retail centres and new schools – and the town offers attractive investment opportunities in a range of schemes.

“Over the coming years, the town centre will be transformed through developments including Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway, Elder Way, public realm improvements and the delivery of the Chesterfield Station Masterplan.

“There are a range of opportunities available for investment including capital investment, residential, end-user occupiers and leisure and hotel operators.

“Chesterfield is a sub regional service centre for North Derbyshire, it has a great Town Centre that is steeped in history with a historic market but that is balanced by new investments and opportunities including the Levelling Up Fund.”

The Midlands Investment Portfolio showcases exceptional investment opportunities across Midlands core sector strengths. The Portfolio has been developed in collaboration with Midlands Engine partners, including the region’s local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, and leading promotion and investment agencies – to present the most complete picture currently available of Midlands priority investment propositions.

Working with Midlands champions in geographies across the world, the Portfolio now becomes a vital asset for their continued advocacy and support for the economic growth and future prosperity of the region.

The Portfolio forms the keystone of Midlands Engine’s involvement at the UK Real Estate Infrastructure Investment Forum (UKREiiF). Throughout the Forum, the Midlands Engine partnership will showcase the region’s strengths in support of the urgent need to level up and drive economic growth and prosperity.

Explore the Portfolio here.

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “The Midlands offering to the world has always been prodigious – from our heritage as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, to the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed right now in sectors as diverse as health and life sciences, digital and clean energy. The Midlands Investment Portfolio showcases the exceptional breadth of our region’s investment potential in one place – a comprehensive resource to pinpoint the primary investment opportunities our wonderful region has to offer. As Midlands Engine partners continue our work, together, to accelerate growth and prosperity in our region, the Portfolio will be a vital tool in our collaborative efforts to drive inward investment.”

Minister for Investment, Lord Grimstone said: “The Midlands Investment Portfolio provides a world-leading resource to maximise investment into the region which will support jobs, boost the local economy and level up the UK. This government is committed to supporting the Midlands Engine through trade and investment, thanks to my department’s support and ambition in signing Free-Trade Agreements that will benefit every region of the UK.”

Minister for Levelling Up, Neil O’Brien MP said: “The Midlands is home to a hotbed of talent across a range of important sectors. With this investment portfolio, the Midlands Engine have done a great job of showcasing the very best investment opportunities across the region.

“The Government is working to ensure the Midlands Engine continues to fire on all cylinders as we deliver our mission of levelling up every corner of the country.”

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

New fitness facility set to move into The Glass Yard

A brand-new fitness studio is set to open at Chesterfield’s newly-opened Glass Yard development, just off Sheffield Road.

Studio One is being opened by SRW Fitness owner Seb Walker, who started the business in 2007 and has been personal training in Chesterfield for more than 15 years. In that time SRWFitness has been based in 3 local gyms, a local park and clients homes.

Having previously being forced to go into online personal training as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Seb admitted he was delighted to be welcoming customers to the new centre.

He said: “The Glass Yard is a fantastic location for the studio, just out of the town centre and easy to get to. There is 2 hours free parking so my clients can arrive knowing they can park and walk straight into their session not worrying about any additional parking costs or trying to find a space. The main positive for me is being part of something new and exciting, having a brand-new space surrounded by other likeminded businesses that complement each other is just perfect.

“It’s a brilliant place to launch my first studio and everyone I meet is impressed with the whole development.  I think it’s different to anything else around here and it really adds something to Chesterfield and surrounding areas.”

Studio One is described as ‘not your regular fitness facility;’ visitors will not find banks of treadmills or fixed resistance machines. The studio has been specifically designed with movement in mind, where all over body exercises are facilitated by a multifunctional rig, bands, bars, weights and balls just to name a few.

There is a large AstroTurf space for group sessions and classes and a collection of top of the range cardio equipment with treadmill, concept 2 rower and skierg, as well as Technogym spinning bikes for indoor cycling classes. This space enables a plethora of exercise to be delivered and any exercise you would perform on traditional gym equipment can be replicated with ease, and some.

There are other pieces of equipment, such as the fantastic interactive blazepods that help with balance, reaction speed and all other manner of things. The studio has been meticulously designed to maximise the useable space and deliver a unique fun experience for clients. With clients’ age ranging from 16 to 90 years old it caters for all and has classes and programs to suit most needs.

Seb continued: “The aim of developing the studio is to create a facility where people can feel comfortable and at ease to exercise in a supportive, safe, clean, and friendly environment. With all my experiences over the past 25+ years in the fitness industry and previously basing the business in commercial gyms I have taken all the great aspects I’ve seen and wrapped them into a state-of-the-art fitness studio.

“The community and support network that I want to create for my clients is built on my passion to help people achieve what they might think is impossible. That’s not just a body transformation but things like moving pain free, reducing or coming off medication. Increasing self-esteem, improving mental health and so much more.

“The vision for Studio One is to be the go-to fitness studio in Chesterfield for health, weight loss, and lifestyle transformations. To provide the support, guidance, and knowhow to enable all my clients to achieve their goals but more importantly maintain them effortlessly for life. This is not just another gym this is something completely different.

“The philosophy to Studio One is Mind – Body – Move. A three-pronged process that focuses on three key areas to success. The ‘Mind’, addressing the habits and choices that are hampering your progression. Secondly, ‘Body’, what you are putting in your body and how to adjust your diet that doesn’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of happiness! Then finally ‘Move’, this is the exercise that will feel more like you’re having fun and less like you’ve just enlisted in the army. If you enjoy it, you will stick to it effortlessly!”

The exercise offerings available at the studio include:

  • SRW45 classes; These are 45 minute sessions similar to traditional bootcamp with up to 16 people,
  • SRW1-6; Group personal training I hour sessions with a maximum of 6 people tailor fitted to your needs and also offer a one-to-one personal training option too.

The studio is also working with local businesses, running bespoke classes and team building sessions for them. These are arranged at times to suit so staff can finish work and attend the session or go before work too.

Studio One is also linking up with other local health and fitness businesses and offering a space to deliver specialised exercise classes from some of the best instructors in the area.

Seb explained why he was so passionate about promoting health and fitness in the local community: “For me this isn’t work, it’s something I love doing. You know that when you are heading home from your summer holiday and you’re excited to get back to ‘work’ that you have found something that is more than just an income.

“I love working with clients, understanding their needs, and helping them achieve what they desire but also have some fun along the way. Exercise doesn’t need to be scary, and a good session isn’t measured on how much pain you are in the next day. There is no set standard, no one size fits all training method, the training starts with what you can do and then ends up morphing into being able to do what you never imagined possible.

“You just need to find something you enjoy, something that doesn’t feel like you’re ‘exercising’. This however doesn’t have to involve a gym or a personal trainer and can be anything that gets your heart pumping and a bit breathless. However, before embarking on a new fitness regime asking a health and fitness professional for guidance is a no brainer to ensure you’re safe to start. The benefits of being active are undeniably positive both physically and mentally you just need to get the right guidance, find something that works for you and be consistent!”

“Creating my own studio is something I’ve strived for over a number of years but with all the challenges over the past 2 years it’s created a perfect storm of opportunity. The opportunity to be part of something like the Glass Yard was too much of a draw to miss out on and I can’t wait to push on and see how far I can grow the business in the future.

To view the session schedule customers can download the app ‘gymcatch’ and search for SRWFitness – Studio One.

You can also find out more on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SRWFitnessPersonalTraining or at https://www.srwfitness.co.uk/

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New café added to bustling Chatsworth Road food & drink scene

A new café has opened on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield, becoming the latest addition to the popular food and drink offer in the area.

Café Nellie promises a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and will offer popular favourites such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, pâté and hummus plates, and of course a delightful range of cakes and sweet treats.

Owner Tracey Wallis has opened the new venture following five years trading as the Pekoe Café, also based on Chatsworth Road. She said she was delighted to be welcoming customers old and new to the café.

“Café Nellie has been a huge project but the results are definitely worth all the planning and hard work. The team from The Pekoe Café have all transferred to Café Nellie and it has been a real pleasure to welcome many of our loyal customers. We have seen lots of  new faces too  – great to meet you all, we genuinely appreciate your support. We hope you will all give a real Cestrafeldrian welcome to Zhanna, our new friend and colleague, recently arrived from Ukraine and now a valued member of our team.

“We are very happy to still be part of The Chatsworth Road Community and our new neighbours have quickly become friends. This next year or so small, local businesses are going to face some real challenges – we hope we can all work together to make positive things happen for our great town of Chesterfield.

“The question we get asked most is ‘Who is Nellie?’  Well,  Nellie was the most wonderful rescue Staffy dog you could wish to meet. She loved food and enjoyed human company and so do we, so it seemed like a good name for our new venture!  Dogs are very welcome at Café Nellie – but please bring your owners with you, we can’t rescue you all!”

The café will also offer afternoon teas available to pre-book with 24 hours notice, along with stocking four different types of coffee. The special Café Nellie branded coffee is available to buy from the business, so customers can enjoy a delicious ‘cuppa’ in the comfort of their own homes. Customers can buy the coffee as beans or freshly ground depending on their preference.

To find out more about Café Nellie, go to: https://www.facebook.com/CafeNellie/

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

People encouraged to have their say on Chesterfield town centre regeneration plans

People are being encouraged to have their say on a multi-million pound project to revitalise Chesterfield town centre – helping the borough thrive for generations to come – with the launch of a public consultation.

The £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme aims to transform the look, feel and flow of the town centre – creating a contemporary market town that has better connections between key public spaces, and a more attractive physical environment.

It includes plans for significant improvements to Chesterfield’s historic market grounds, along with proposals that will help maximise the potential of the iconic Crooked Spire as a key attraction for visitors, while also re-imagining town centre spaces for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

Together with the £17m refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall – which received planning permission in March 2022 – the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the national levelling up fund at the end of last year.

The latest designs for the scheme were approved by the council’s Cabinet this month and are out for public consultation from 24 May to 8 July 2022 before a final Master Plan is developed.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to share our proposals for the town centre with the residents and businesses of Chesterfield, as well as those who work in and visit our borough.

“This is a chance for people to learn more about the plans and our vision for the future – and then tell us what they think, to help shape the final proposals.

“It builds on the consultation we held last summer, seeking views on plans to revitalise our historic market. Overall there was strong support for our ambition but some issues about the stall layout and size were raised – we have worked really closely with market traders, listened to their views and updated our plans based on their feedback, so having your say really does make a difference to the future of the town.”

People can take part in the consultation online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/town-centre-consultation or visit an exhibition which is on display in the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square (Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm) during the consultation period, where paper copies of the plans and survey will be available to view.

Cllr Sarvent added: “Chesterfield has been a flourishing market town for hundreds of years, but like places everywhere, we must address the challenges that the increase in online shopping presents to the future sustainability of our town centre.

“Our town has so much to offer, and we want to harness and build on this to create a town centre that remains vibrant, and relevant in today’s world.

“This project, together with the scheme to refurbish our historic Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum, will transform the experience for those visiting the town centre, and help sustain the economic future for the wider borough.”

Levelling up funding is being used to extend the council’s planned regeneration of the market grounds, with extra investment now centred on key public spaces and the connections between them – including Burlington Street, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Spire Walk, Market Square and New Square.

It is proposed that new paving, seating, lighting, and street furniture will combine with more greenery, to create better-looking and better-connected spaces which people can enjoy and socialise in.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will complement work to regenerate the Northern Gateway and – at the other side of town – will connect with plans to transform the area around Chesterfield Station.

Key areas of focus are:

  • Corporation Street – a tree-lined boulevard with improved paving and lighting will transform this key gateway to the town centre and provide a welcoming environment for visitors to the refurbished theatre and museum.
  • Spire Walk – the council will work in partnership with the Church of St Mary and All Saints to create a more welcoming and attractive space in which to enjoy our iconic Crooked Spire.
  • Rykneld Square – the proposals seek to make better use of this open public space – providing a better connection with the Crooked Spire, improving the feel and flow of this area.
  • Burlington Street – proposed upgrades to paving, planting and lighting will create a more attractive main route – better connecting the Market Place and High Street through to Rykneld Square and Spire Walk.
  • New Square and Market Place – a multi-million pound investment will revitalise Chesterfield’s historic market. The plans will create a modern, vibrant town centre experience with additional space alongside our traditional markets to host outdoor events and speciality markets. The council has worked with local traders to develop a revised market stall and layout design for the main market, and to consider how New Square could be used to complement the town centre offer in future.
  • Packers Row – under existing plans, in place before the successful bid for levelling up funding, this area will also undergo improvement, following the completion of similar public realm works at the nearby Elder Way. Plans include improved lighting and paving, with an overhead light canopy to add character.

Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

The work will be carried out in phases and is due for completion in 2025.

 

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

Chesterfield event technology firm shortlisted for two prestigious awards

Chesterfield-based engagement specialist Noonah has been announced as a finalist in two upcoming awards ceremonies.

The company is shortlisted at both this year’s Campaign Tech Awards 2022 ‘Tech as part of a Campaign: Retail’ and Conference & Events Awards 2022 ‘Best Event Technology’ for its work with Hasbro.

The entry highlights the work Noonah carried out in giving two of Hasbro’s most famous names, Cluedo and Monopoly, relevance in an ever-competitive retail landscape.

To maximise reach and accessibility, the firm staged a two-part campaign, taking the ‘Cluedo Family Edition‘ on a tour visiting Smyths Toys’ most popular Superstores, and basing the ‘Monopoly by You‘ pop-up in London’s prestigious Selfridges department store.

Central to both activations was Noonah’s powerful Personalize product personalisation technology, combining market-leading customisation software with state-of-the-art live-printing tech, all housed in eye-catching installations to maximise visibility and brand engagement.

Alice Morton, Account Manager at Noonah commented: “We are incredibly proud of our work with Hasbro and the team involved with this project. A huge congrats and good luck to all others nominated!”

The campaign incentivised customers, old and new, to engage with these classic titles, and strengthened the emotional connections with their brands, achieving immense reach and significant brand exposure on the run-up to Christmas.

With retail suffering from the impact of COVID-19 and losing ever more sales to e-commerce, this campaign was a powerful reminder of what the high street can be if it embraces the latest and best experiential tech.

The Campaign Tech Awards celebrates the companies that represent the industry’s trailblazing thinkers, imaginative clients, and cutting-edge technology. Championing the collaboration between agencies, brands, and the technology communities, recognising the outstanding work produced together to drive the creative industries forward. Noonah’s entry has been shortlisted in the highly competitive category and will go up against agencies from the likes of MediaCom’s campaign with Ellesse and UNIT9’s work with Southampton F.C.

The awards ceremony will take place on 8th June 2022 in London. The lunch will showcase some of the most outstanding achievements of the industry over the past 18 months and truly display how the industry stood resilient and pushed through during a very difficult time.

The good news continues as Noonah’s work has also been shortlisted for Conference & Events Awards 2022. This awards ceremony is GCN Events’ longest-standing and flagship event and is the pinnacle of event industry recognition. After an outstanding virtual event in 2020, Conference & Events Awards 2022 sees an eagerly awaited return on 1st July, attracting an audience of over 600 conference and venue professionals.

To find out more about Noonah, go to: https://noonah.com/

Noonah 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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Exciting events programme revealed across Chesterfield for 2022

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to ‘save the date’ as details of some of the key events happening in and around Chesterfield town centre this year are announced.

Designed to provide fun and unique experiences for our Chesterfield community, this year’s events programme will continue to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time in and around the town centre.

More details of each event will be published over the coming months, but key dates to note include:

  • 2-5 June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: A whole host of activities will be taking place across the borough to mark the Queen’s Jubilee – including during the celebratory bank holiday weekend which runs from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The town centre will be decked with Jubilee-themed decorations, with events and activities running at the council’s venues – people can check www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jubilee for the latest information.

 

  • 26 July – Medieval-themed Fun Day: The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with families invited to kick start the summer holidays with a day on Tuesday 26 July. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life.

 

  • 27 October – 1940s Market: Fans of all things vintage will welcome news that the flagship 1940s Market is also confirmed for 2022 – with crowds expected to don period dress and flock to the town on Thursday 27 October. The event is a highlight in the national calendar for fans of this era and is held on a Thursday to tie in with Chesterfield’s much-loved Flea Market.

 

  • 20 November – Christmas Lights Switch On: Looking toward the festive season, the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on event will be held on Sunday 20 November in the town centre – and if people want to get their festive celebrations organised already, early-bird tickets for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now on sale at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk (the show runs from Tuesday 6 December to Tuesday 3 January 2023).

Chesterfield Borough Council’s events programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As we all enjoy the return to a more normal way of living, it’s fantastic to see this line up of popular events which always bring Chesterfield to life – and create an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our amazing local businesses.

“We are funding a range of flagship events which always prove immensely popular and create a chance for residents and visitors alike to create lasting memories in and around our historic town centre.”

Motor Fest, which last took place in August 2019, will not be supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event had become very popular, meaning the scale has become too large for the town centre and as a result poses a risk to public safety. In particular the significant number of vehicles, attendees and other activities within the pedestrianised town centre, could make it difficult for emergency services to gain suitable access. The council is committed to supporting the organisers to search for a more suitable venue.

More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.

Chesterfield 1940s Market

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Funding to continue for innovative Community Chesterfield project

Community Chesterfield, an initiative which connects our local charity sector to the University of Derby, has announced that the groundbreaking project will continue to be funded in the future.

Last Thursday a celebration of 3 years of investment in Chesterfield’s communities was held at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus. The Lottery funded venture, Community Chesterfield, has helped local charities connect to the University.  The Project has brought about skills sharing and enabled local people with lived experience to engage with future health and social care professionals.

The Community Chesterfield Showcase included an early announcement that Lottery funding for the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action partnership would continue.

Jenny Raschbauer Community Chesterfield Manager said: “I’m so proud of the positive impact that our work has had on students and charities and after hearing how much the University and the community of Chesterfield value what we do I’m excited to be continuing this amazing community led project”

The opening speech at the event which was held on International Nurses Day was given by Dr Denise Baker, Dean of Health, Psychology, and Social Care at the University of Derby.

She said: “I was delighted to be able to support the showcase event for Community Chesterfield. The project has brought together many stakeholders who share an interest in health and well-being. The University has benefitted enormously from the project, especially building links between students and the voluntary sector. Both staff and students have gained from their experiences over the last 3 years and we look forward to what opportunities still lie ahead. The impact of this project is tangible and making a real difference to the health and social care arena in the region”

His Worship the Mayor of Chesterfield was also in attendance meaning this community gathering was his first engagement in office.

Project activities include offering training and shared learning opportunities, work placements, research projects, volunteering opportunities within Chesterfield’s community and other ways of creating meaningful connections.

Keep up to date with new activities on Facebook @ComChesterfield, Twitter @comchesterfield and Instagram @communitychesterfield

Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and University of Derby 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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More than 30 businesses choose Chesterfield town centre for their new home

More than 30 new businesses have opened in Chesterfield town centre in the last 12 months with six more due to open in the coming weeks.

The new businesses, which include Barkworthy Dog Emporium, Kooca, Chesterfield Escape Rooms and Boba Shack, show how the town is not standing still – and is in a strong position to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Cibo Bistro, Fat Pig BBQ, Little Dessert Shop, WiseGuys, and Snowflakes Desert Shop are all set to open imminently. Additionally, the Market Hall has welcomed four pop-up stores – Hobson’s Choice, Sparky’s Treats, The Little Ark, and Adelante Antiques. While the outdoor market has welcomed new traders, including Chris’s Fresh Fish, The Flower Girl, Tina’s Make & Mend, Soul Nuah Soapery, Marples Gifts, Lillie’s Cake Shed, Chocolate Elements, Slacknbaggy, Cakehole Bakehouse and Magesh.

Louise Spence, Bistro Supervisor and Coordinator at Cibo which will open later this month on Low Pavement, said: “We hope with the support of the people of Chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!

“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people.  We hope the kind people of Chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”

Praising the town, Anthony Foster is the owner of one of the new businesses which has opened in the last 12 months, Barkworthy Dog Emporium in Theatre Yard. He said: “It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do – set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

In addition to new businesses, since 2021 nine businesses have also expanded into larger premises in the town centre, these include Rebel, Pizza Pi, Vintage Tea Rooms, Bee-Orchid and Twelfth Craft.

Raj Dhir, owner of Rebel Menswear which expanded into a new larger unit on the corner of High Street and Packer’s Row in March added: “We believe in Chesterfield, and that’s why we are spending roughly £500,000 on the store. Chesterfield as a community and town centre has always supported us so it’s only right we invest back in the town centre and community. We believe the future of Chesterfield Town is bright and will only get brighter as more investment is made into the town centre.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great to welcome new businesses to Chesterfield town centre and celebrate those who are expanding and investing in our town. We’re making a significant investment across our town centre which will further boost business confidence by attracting more visitors and shoppers. Our town centre will be the go-to place to live, work, socialise and shop.”

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is due to open for business shortly – further boosting activity in the town centre.

The council also secured almost £20m of Levelling Up Funding to improve and regenerate key public spaces and improve the look, feel and flow of the town centre – while also refurbishing the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. The work is set to start in spring 2022 and be completed by 2025.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity, and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment.”

New town centre businesses

  • Cawa Bakery – Lower Pavement
  • Cawa Bakery – ChesterfieldTrain Station
  • Alberts Jungerer Bruder – Stephenson Place
  • Boba Shack – Cavendish Street
  • Fireaway Pizza- Knifesmithgate
  • Barkworthy Dog Emporium – Theatre Yard
  • Kooca – Beetwell Street
  • Merkur Slots- Vicar Lane
  • Caprinos Pizza – West Bars
  • Brows – Lower Pavement
  • Bet Extra Casino – Lower Pavement
  • Coffee Co – Beetwell Street
  • The Lucky Magpie Salvage – Hollis Lane
  • The Hidden Knight – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Escape Rooms – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield VR – Soresby Street
  • Chesterfield Gamezone – Soresby Street
  • Imrans Diner – Cavendish Street
  • The Dirty Habit – Holywell Street

 

New Market Hall businesses

  • Adelante Antiques
  • Hobson’s Choice
  • Sparky’s Treats
  • The Little Ark

New market traders

  • Chris’s Fresh Fish
  • The Flower girl
  • Tina’s Make & Mend
  • Soul Nuah Soapery
  • Marples Gifts
  • Lillie’s Cake Shed
  • Chocolate Elements
  • SlacknBaggy
  • Cakehole Bakehouse
  • Magesh

 

Relocation / expansion

  • Shoe Zone – Packers Row
  • Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane
  • Vintage Tea Rooms – Vicar Lane
  • Twelfth Craft – The Shambles
  • Bee Orchid – Packers Row
  • Rebel – High Street
  • The Job Centre – Vicar Lane
  • Woodheads Café – Theatre Yard

 

Businesses due to open soon

  • CIBO Bistro- Lower Pavements
  • Fat Pig BBQ – Saltergate
  • Snowflakes Desert Shop – 12a Saltergate
  • Little Dessert Shop – Holywell Street
  • WiseGuys – Packers Row
  • A new bridal shop is also set to open its doors in The Shambles

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

Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment receives further funding boost    

An ambitious project to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – which is home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – has been boosted by £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

The funding has been secured by Chesterfield Borough Council and will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet. This funding will complement the Government’s Levelling Up Funding and investment from the council which aims to create a modern cultural attraction in the heart of the town centre.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities. The £17.5 million project will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received more support for our multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial Hall. This funding will help ensure we realise our ambitions of creating an accessible cultural experience, allowing more of our residents and visitors to access this building to enjoy performances and learn about our heritage.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting and creative work to the public.

“We’re pleased to be investing in seven projects in the East Midlands – from replacing well-worn seats in auditoriums and purchasing the latest digital technology to installing ecologically friendlier lighting and making buildings more cost-effective.  Funded work includes updating access facilities designed to ensure a more welcoming experience for visitors.”

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country. The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.

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

New menswear retailer set to open in prominent Chesterfield town centre store

A retailer selling a range of clothes for men is moving into a prominent Chesterfield Town Centre location, adding to the plethora of new retailers in the town.

WiseGuys menswear will be opening in the former Greenwoods store on Packers Row, offering a broad choice of clothing, including casual shirts, knitwear, suits and shoes.

Mike Willis, who used to work for Greenwoods before launching his own clothing business, says he is pleased to be bringing a new store to the town: “I’ve always had Chesterfield in mind as the place where I wanted to open my next store, as it fits with the ‘market town’ profile of my business.

“I opened my first store in Sleaford in 2013, followed by Newark, Melton Mowbray and Boston, so I am delighted that the opportunity has arisen to continue growing the business and offering our products to a wider audience.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming customers from Chesterfield and beyond, and cannot wait to be part of the evolution of the local high street. We’d love to see as many new faces in our store as possible, so please pop in and say hello.”

The store plans to cater for a broad range of sizes, with no skinny fits on offer. Casual shirts range from sizes small to 4XL, while shoe brands are sold in sizes 6-12. Shoes up to size 15 can be sold to order.

Suits are on sale ranging from sizes 34-60 chest. A number of recognised brands will be stocked at WiseGuys, including Dude Shoes, Lambretta Brogues, Ben Sherman Casuals, Lizard King Shirts, Swole Panda socks and underwear, Redpoint Chinos and casual coats, Sunwill jeans and much more.

The store is also recruiting for new staff, with Mike commenting: “I’m looking for a manager and part-time staff to work at the store, ensuring our customers enjoy the best possible visit to WiseGuys. Anyone wishing to apply or find out more, please email wiseguys2014@gmail.com FAO: Mr Mike Willis, Director.”

To find out more about WiseGuys menswear, head over to the website: www.wiseguysmenswear.co.uk

Chesterfield’s high street is home to an array of independent and chain retailers. To find out more about shopping in the town, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

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