Celebrate Chesterfield

Ashgate Hospicecare director raises more than £6,000 in incredible marathon challenge

An Ashgate Hospicecare director who set himself the challenge of running 12 marathons in as many months has finally crossed the finish line – two months ahead of schedule.

Peter Stone, Director of Income Generation at the North Derbyshire charity and Destination Chesterfield board member, was inspired to fundraise having seen others go above and beyond to help fund Ashgate’s vital care.

Starting last October, the 60-year-old challenged himself to run 12 marathons in just one year – a remarkable 314.4 miles in total.

And on Saturday, Peter was delighted to complete his final marathon of the challenge, finishing at Ashgate’s hospice site in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, where family, friends and colleagues applauded him as he passed through the gates.

Thanks to the generosity of Peter’s supporters, the challenge has helped raise an incredible £6,200 towards the charity, smashing his target of £1,000.

Following the final marathon, Peter said: “My final marathon was one of the hardest yet – it included 3,500 feet of ascent and a lot of off-road navigation in the area around Tansley and Ashover.

“That, combined with hot weather, made for a tiring trip out. I am delighted to have completed the 12 marathons and I am so grateful for all the support I have received.

“I am responsible for the fundraising and retail teams at Ashgate who every year must generate around 70 per cent of the organisation’s income. I was keen to raise some funds myself – to help with fundraising and to remind me how hard our fundraisers must work to generate the money we need.

“Even as a keen runner this challenge has been difficult. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover from a marathon so trying to cover one every four weeks has been tiring. Plus, there’s been runs in the rain, sleet and snow which haven’t helped matters at all!”

From a double marathon – with no stopping– in Northumberland to a 50km run along a disused railway line in Shropshire, Peter has taken part in marathons across the UK.

He’s averaged around one marathon every four weeks – a task he admits was “tough”, but now he’s got into the routine of it he’ll find it difficult to stop.

Peter’s efforts will help Ashgate in continuing to provide caring and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care to people all over North Derbyshire.

He added: “I wanted to fundraise for Ashgate because the charity undertakes such amazing work – offering specialist palliative and end of life care to patients with a life-limiting illness and their families across North Derbyshire.

“Ashgate is so loved by the community, and this has been apparent by the level of support I have received to date. I couldn’t have asked for more from everyone who has supported me and made donations – thank you all so much.”

Have you been inspired by Peter’s fundraiser? You can run for Ashgate Hospicecare at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K on 17th October.

To support Peter following his mammoth marathon challenge go to his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/peterstoneag

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Chatsworth Launches Recruitment Drive For Hospitality Staff

Chatsworth has launched a recruitment drive to fill more than 30 hospitality roles in its cafes, pub and restaurants across the Derbyshire estate.

A selection of full and part-time positions are available for immediate starts in the hotels and restaurants, working in both the kitchens and front of house.

The recruitment drive follows the launch of a professional training academy to support new employees at Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group. The Devonshire Hospitality Academy will welcome its first students in autumn 2021 for its in-house training programme, which will lead to a recognised industry qualification at Level 2 Apprenticeship. Crucially, on successful completion of the course, permanent full time jobs will automatically offered.

In an effort to attract candidates and highlight the exciting career opportunities on offer, two Recruitment Days are taking place at Chatsworth on Thursday 9 September and Saturday 11 September.

Every attendee will be guaranteed an interview with a member of the senior hospitality team with a range of short term part-time seasonal roles on offer to longer-term opportunities with for those looking to build a career.

Richard Palmer, Devonshire Hotels MD, is particularly interested in finding people looking to make a longer term commitment and take advantage of the 18-month industry recognised training programme on offer.

“The loss of the labour force from Europe and the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality sector being one of the last to re-open has created a ‘perfect storm’ impacting on our ability to recruit and find people with the right skills.

“We want to get across the message that they are lots of fantastic careers in hospitality and we can help support people to realise those aspirations. I’m an example of this as I actually started within the Hotels at Bolton Abbey as a waiter and am now heading up the hotels and restaurants group.

“We’re keen to hear from people who may be coming to the end of furlough and are looking for a career change as well as those who may be starting out and looking for a job with excellent prospects.”

As well as Richard himself, the Chatsworth team is full of inspiring stories of those who have worked their way up with the support and training on offer from James Adlington who started as a casual worker to now managing the acclaimed Burlington Restaurant in Yorkshire in just six years to David Milward and Steph Shirt who both started as apprentices and are now Chef at Chatsworth and Head Baker at Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop respectively.

Richard added: “If you’re approachable and passionate, we would love you to become part of our team.”

As well as the guaranteed interview, attendees will hear from the senior hospitality team about working for Chatsworth. Roles are currently available at the Cavendish Hotel, the Devonshire Arms in Beeley and the Devonshire Arms in Pilsley.

Anyone interested in finding out more is advised to register their interest with their preferred date and time slot as soon as possible as places are limited. A drink and slice of homemade cake is thrown in to seal the deal.

  • Thursday 9 September | 2.30pm, 4pm, 5,30pm
  • Saturday 11 September | 10.30am, 12pm, 3pm
  • Location: Cavendish Restaurant, The Stables, Chatsworth, DE45 1PP
  • Email hr@devonshiregroup.co.uk to register.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Local entrepreneurs set to be recognised for hard work and resilience at 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

The entrepreneurial achievements of new sole traders and limited companies are being celebrated in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.

Four businesses – CarMats.co.uk, Precious Memories by Anne-Marie, Stanedge Golf Ltd and Virtual World Studios Ltd – have all been shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, the new category recognises the achievements, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire over the last 18 months.

In addition to the accolade, the winner of the award will also receive 10 hours of free mentoring with Banner Jones Solicitors as well as a 12 months of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with awards organiser Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.

The winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award will be announced at a black- tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on 20th October 2021.

Ash Young, Founder of CarMats.co.uk explained how it feels to be a finalist: “It’s a real honour to be shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Love Chesterfield Awards. Industry awards are great, but there’s something special about local recognition. Chesterfield has so many great businesses and entrepreneurs; I’m looking forward to cheering for them all on the night of the awards.”

Anne-Marie Scott, Owner of Precious Memories by Anne-Marie said: “It feels very surreal to be nominated, mostly because I still have to pinch myself at times that I created not only a business from scratch but also my dream job! In the hardest year for most of the country, my business has still flourished and I was able to employ an intern to help with the demands of the growing business. Chesterfield is a wonderful market town, unique in encouraging local independent businesses, and encouraging local entrepreneurs helps to keep our much-loved town centre alive.”

Delighted to be shortlisted for the award, Fame Tate, Director and Owner of Stanedge Golf Ltd said: “I feel incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the award and to be recognised for what myself and my team have achieved at Stanedge Golf Club, particularly in such a short period of time. On a more personal level it is hugely satisfying as this is not just a business venture – it is a labour of love. It drives me every single day and it is something that I am hugely passionate about. I have said from day one that I want the club to be the best; that is something that will never change.”

Lyn Sheppard, Manging Director of Virtual World Studios Ltd commented: “I see entrepreneurship as a creative approach to developing and driving a business forward through innovation. I am extremely pleased that we are a finalist for this award. It was a very nice surprise. When lockdown forced the studio to close, it was only our ability to think creatively that enabled us to re-configure the virtual reality technology we had originally developed for film production, into effective and eye-catching virtual solutions for businesses.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained the importance of the new award: “Entrepreneurship plays a huge role in any thriving town or city – driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the local economy and never more so than during the pandemic. These businesses have adapted brilliantly to the challenges thrown at them, embodying Chesterfield’s can-do attitude. It was important to the Destination Chesterfield board that we recognised their hard work and achievements with this new award category.”

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is one of 16 categories in the new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management. The new awards have combined Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards and also recognised the contribution of entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprentices and sustainability over the last 18 months.

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Evoluted, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

There are only two sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the Love Chesterfield awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

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

Chesterfield businessmen to complete marathon for canine charity

Two dog-loving local businessmen are planning to design and complete their very own marathon route to raise money for their favourite canine charity.

Paul Gosney, who lives in Chesterfield and Tony Dent, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, are taking part in the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday October 3 on behalf of national charity Support Dogs, whose training centre is in Brightside.

Tony, a partner at B&B Vehicle Contracts, a vehicle leasing specialist in Chesterfield, and Paul, business development manager at City Taxis, are old friends who share a common love of dogs.

The pair, neither of whom have run a marathon before, are currently plotting a 26.2 mile marathon route starting at Dronfield Woodhouse and finishing at Support Dogs via various parts of Sheffield – hopefully around six hours later.

They plan to post staging posts online to encourage supporters to cheer them on at various points along the way, snaking through the city and avoiding as many hills as possible! Support will be provided by their friend Jim as pacemaker on his electric trike, Spike le Trike, and Tony’s wife Katey in a back-up van.

“We both love dogs, and Support Dogs do amazing work,” says Tony, whose company has made Support Dogs their charity of the year.

“I’ve known about their work and supported them for many years. I was recently watching one of their videos about a young girl whose life was turned round by her assistance dog, and every time I watch it, I cry!  It’s heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time.

“It gives someone a new lease of life which you would not expect from an animal. The sheer joy that a dog brings to people’s lives and what these dogs do is incredible. They give people who have disabilities such freedom and a new lease of life, and that’s what’s it’s all about for me.”

Tony and Paul are now hard at work in the gym and pounding the streets in preparation for the event, in which participants can choose their own marathon-length route.

Toy had heart surgery two years ago, so the Virtual London Marathon is a big challenge. Both men, who have set themselves a fundraising target of £3,000 are planning a practice half marathon route in September to test their fitness.

“When people hear that we’re doing a ‘virtual’ marathon they seem to think that it’s online and we’re not actually running 26.2 miles – but believe me we are!” says Paul.

Support Dogs trains assistance dogs for children and adults with autism, epilepsy and physical disability, enabling them to lead safer, more independent lives. It receives no government funding, and for every dog it trains it receives more than 50 requests for help.

If you would like to sponsor Tony and Paul go to Virgin Money Giving

City Taxis supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Exciting arts project re-creates the first live-linked satellite broadcast to celebrate our region

Junction Arts, in association with six arts organisations from across three counties, is set to be take part in ‘Our Place’ which showcases the people and places of the East Midlands, through the arts.

Led by the Chesterfield-based community arts charity, Our Place travels the East Midlands to celebrate diversity, community, culture and place. Through seven creative residencies, Our Place brings together the hills of the High Peak to the streets of inner-city Leicester, where Ukrainian dance from Derby will share the stage with embellished aprons made in rural Lincolnshire.

Junction Arts will be working with several project partners: City Arts (Nottingham), High Peak Community Arts (High Peak), People Express (Swadlincote), Soft Touch (Leicester), Surtal Arts (Derby) and The Hub (Sleaford).

The project has seen over 50 participants working with 27 artists throughout the summer in a series of diverse residencies involving textiles, VR, filmmaking, dance, creative writing and music video production.

The new work created through each residency has been brought together into a feature length film broadcast by Director Chris Bevan, co-curated by Junction Arts with partners and artists to showcase and connect communities across our diverse East Midlands region.

Managing Director of Junction Arts, Paul Steele says: “The project is about connecting people and places. After a hard year of dealing with lock downs and restricted activities, what better way to bring back local communities, by celebrating the people in them and sharing the unique cultures and talents with others.

“We know what it feels like to be ‘in this together’ and we’ve taken that feeling of connectedness and built it into a project where people from across three counties are uniting to share what it means to live in a place in this moment and time.”

Junction Arts were inspired by the first global TV satellite broadcast conceived in 1967, entitled ‘Our World’ which ended with the Beatles performing ‘All You Need is Love’ for the first time, during the height of the Vietnam War.

For their creative residency, Junction Arts commissioned Movement and Theatre Director Chris Yarnell and writer Simon Marshall to work with young people from Derbyshire LGBT+ Youth group to explore what it means to be young, LBGT and growing up in Chesterfield. Filmed within the property of where the group meet, ‘place’ is explored through creative writing, performance and spoken word demonstrating the exciting spirit and anarchic energy of young people challenging norms and finding their place in the world.

The celebratory web broadcast will launch on the Our Place website at 6:30pm on the 9th September 2021: https://junctionarts.org/our-place-broadcast/

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Shorts wins ‘In-house finance team of the year’ at prestigious accountancy awards

The finance team at Shorts Chartered Accountants has been named ‘In-House Finance Team of the Year’ at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2021.

The annual awards ceremony, which took place on August 19th, celebrates the achievements and successes of the region’s best accountancy professionals.

The accolade is one of several gained by Shorts in recent years, showing substantial recognition from industry peers. They include:

  • Advisory Firm of the Year, Yorkshire Accountancy Awards Winner 2018
  • Mid-Tier Firm of the Year, British Accountancy Awards Finalist 2016
  • Insider Dealmakers, Corporate Finance Firm of the Year – Shortlisted 2016, 2017 & 2018
  • Insider Dealmakers, National / International Dealmaker of the Year – Shortlisted 2017 & Winner 2018
  • Insider Dealmakers, Mid-Market Dealmaker of the Year – Winner 2017 & Shortlisted 2018
  • Insider Dealmakers, Deal of the Year up to £2.5m – Winner 2018

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shorts finance team was already producing regular and detailed information across the whole firm and partner group. However, the work they completed during the COVID period was essential to ongoing stability, enabling sound business decisions to be made during an extremely uncertain period.

The team demonstrated excellent standards of work and improved efficiencies, including production of revised budgets, and enhancing many internal reports.

Michelle Frost, Practice Director at Shorts said: “Our finance team blows me away with their enthusiasm and drive for continuous improvement. And when any of them have the available capacity, they will always offer a helping hand to other team members. True gems.”

According to the judges of the event: “Shorts Chartered Accountants demonstrated a focus on continuous improvement, carrying out a transformation programme that really impressed the judges, and showed how they were integral to the overall success of the business.”

With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, Chesterfield-based Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. With over 120 staff, the company is one of the largest practices in the region.

Shorts Chartered Accountants supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Increased demand fuels expansion for Banner Jones

Banner Jones, which has offices in Chesterfield, Mansfield, Nottingham and Sheffield, has responded to growing demand from new and existing corporate and consumer clients with the appointment of seven new colleagues across the business.

The appointments, which span the firm’s residential property, dispute resolution and commercial property departments, have been made in response to ‘unprecedented demand’ for its legal services during the pandemic – including employment law, family law, wills, personal injury, and commercial property.

In the 12-months ending May 2021 the firm’s residential property department alone completed in excess of 5500 transactions – marking a 38% increase on the previous 12months.

Joining Banner Jones is residential Property Executive Perri Boyes-Weston who brings more than a decade of experience overseeing complex conveyancing matters including leasehold & freehold sales & purchases, remortgages, new builds and transfer of equity matters to the role.

Perri has joined the Chesterfield property team along with paralegals Amy Hawksley and Lauren Smith, and the Sheffield property team has welcomed paralegals Camilla Donnell and Morgan Buisson.

Commenting on her new role Perri Boyes-Weston said she was pleased to be joining the business at the start of such an ‘exciting new era’, and is looking forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success.

The Dispute Resolution team in Chesterfield welcomes Solicitor Adam Tankard who joins the firm from Keoghs where he worked as a ‘Property Risks and coverage’ solicitor dealing with insurance litigated claims for fires / floods and property damage claims.

Previously he undertook his training contract at the Cooperative Legal Services in its Manchester office.

Assistant Solicitor Rozeena Aslam has joins Banner Jones Business Legal Services department in the firm’s Chesterfield commercial property team.

Having qualified at Trent Law where she gained experience in commercial law, she says she is ‘now very much looking forward to expanding her knowledge of commercial law at Banner Jones’.

Welcoming the new colleagues, Banner Jones Chief Executive, Simon Wright said, “The last year or so has been extremely challenging for all businesses, but the demand for both business and personal legal services has bounced back strongly.”

“In response to that, we are delighted and privileged to be welcoming seven new colleagues to the Banner Jones family.

“We are committed to investing in our staff and look forward to providing them with opportunities to develop their career within the firm.  I’m sure that all of our new recruits share our firm-wide passion and dedication to delivering outstanding customer service.”

Simon added that the firm’s recruitment drive was still under way, saying: “As we continue to grow, we remain on the lookout for passionate, skilled individuals at all levels and we would invite anyone that can contribute to our expert, no-nonsense legal services to reach out.”

The firm are currently recruiting for two roles in their Sheffield office, a Head of Corporate and an Employment solicitor or legal executive.  Details of the roles can be found here https://www.bannerjones.co.uk/pages/vacancies.

Banner Jones employs more than 140 staff across its South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire offices; operating across a full spectrum of legal services including personal matters such as Personal Injury, Divorce, Wills and Probate, Residential Property and Dispute Resolution through to business advice on Company Formation, Commercial Property, Company Finance, Partnership Agreements, Debt Recovery and Employment issues.

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Top community contributors recognised in brand-new awards

Three of Chesterfield’s top community contributors have been named in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

CBE+ Group, Peak Pharmacy and The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire have all been shortlisted for the Community Contribution Award. The new category celebrates the kindness shown by organisations and their employees to local people and community projects in 2020 and 2021.

CBE+ Group has been involved in a number of activities, supporting the local community, from producing thousands of vital ventilator parts in a matter of weeks to sponsoring local football club New Tupton Ivanhoes Under 13’s team and Tupton RUFC.

Marie Cooper, CEO of CBE+ Group explained: “Community contribution is something we see as non-optional at CBE+. Our business and our people play a major part in the Chesterfield community. We therefore have an active engagement in supporting the local area and ensure its future growth and success are part of our mission.

“Whether its engaging young people into apprenticeships, offering regional employment opportunities on Kick Start schemes, or supporting our staff’s children’s sports teams, sponsoring their kits, we work together to achieve more. This is exactly what we want to bring to Chesterfield. It is an honour to be recognised for our efforts to date and we plan to continuously increase the support we give to the community as we grow.”

Supporting patients throughout the entirety of the pandemic, the team at Peak Pharmacy has continued to put their customers in front of themselves through extremely challenging conditions. Establishing a Covid-19 clinic in Chesterfield (at Casa Hotel) as well as at one of its pharmacies in Clay Cross, they’ve administered more than 30,000 vaccinations to the people of Chesterfield.

Joe Cattee, Director of Peak Pharmacy commented: “It’s a great honour for Peak Pharmacy to be shortlisted for the Community Contribution Award, we are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that all our colleagues have shown during the pandemic. They prioritised the communities we serve knowing the potential dangers they could expose themselves to and have gone about their tasks selflessly.”

During the pandemic, the team at The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire started a shopping service for the shielded and vulnerable. Over the last 18 months, the staff along with extra recruited volunteers, have dealt with over 3,000 referrals.

Dave Radford, Manager of the organisation said: “We’re really honoured to be shortlisted for this award – giving back to the community really is at the heart of what we do and it’s great to be recognised for that. We know how much the community appreciates what we do and that makes it so rewarding for us.”

Passionate about giving back to the community themselves, Van Dyk by Wildes has sponsored the Community Contribution Award. The luxury hotel and spa is also sponsoring this year’s Chesterfield Pride, which takes place on Sunday 22nd August at Stand Road Park.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of the new award: “In the past 18 months we have all witnessed the importance of having a strong community and the collective response throughout the pandemic to ensure that people and business communities remain connected has been phenomenal. I am delighted that we are able to recognise these efforts with the new Community Contribution Award.”

The Community Contribution Award is one of 16 categories in the new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management. The new awards have combined Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards and also recognised the contribution of entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprentices and sustainability over the last 18 months.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards

Council achieves Silver Award for Armed Forces support

Chesterfield Borough Council has received a Silver Award for its support of the Armed Forces.

The council was given the award through the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which encourages employers to implement human resources policies that support members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community while inspiring others to do the same.

Dr Huw Bowen, the council’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have received this award. As a council we recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the Armed Forces.

“We also benefit greatly as an employer from the unique skills, experiences and attributes that members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community bring to our workplace, our teams and in improving service delivery for our communities.

“The employer recognition scheme has helped focus our efforts to improve opportunities and support for council staff that wish to follow this path.”

Chesterfield Borough Council employs veterans, serving reservists and family members of Armed Forces personnel.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s fantastic that we have received recognition for the work we do to support the Armed Forces community, and crucial that we recognise and support the work of the Armed Forces personnel that the council employs, as well as those who live in our community.

“We will continue to support this community whenever possible and ensure the many sacrifices that they and their families have made for us are recognised.”

We have a number of policies, procedures and practices that aim to support members of the Armed Forces community employed by the council and also the wider Armed Forces community living in Chesterfield, these include:

  • Changed leave policies to support staff to carry out their duties including up to ten days per year for reservist duties
  • Access to employee assistance and occupational health schemes to support employees’ physical and mental health.
  • A generous career break policy which can be used to support mobilisation.
  • A clear support plan for members of the Armed Forces returning from mobilisation and a clear cross-council understanding of their rights.
  • Chesterfield’s Armed Forces cadet units are given pride of place at our key annual ceremonies including Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Mayor’s annual parade.
  • We are partners in the Veterans Hub (Chesterfield) led by the Department for Work and Pensions, which includes regular events at the Town Hall.
  • The council is a registered employer with both the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.

“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”

Chesterfield Borough Council received a Bronze Award for its participation in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme in 2019.

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

Local Work Experience Programme a Huge Success at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s recent work experience programme has been hailed as a huge success, after independent retailers helped with providing a 10-week work course for learners from Shirebrook.

The programme, put together by Shaun Brown, Centre Manager of Vicar Lane, and Sandra Currey, Programme Development Worker for Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), saw five young learners from Shirebrook work with the centre’s independent outlets (Qoozies, Nana B Baby Boutique, Shop Indie and Gorilla Garms), as well as the Centre Management team.

The programme helped the learners to broaden their horizons, raise their aspirations and understand the reality of the world of work.

Each week, the learners began their day with an introductory session at the Centre Management Suite, before heading off to work in the participating independent outlets from 10am until 3pm. They then ended the day back at the Centre Management Suite where they reflected on their day’s work.

Taking part in the work experience programme has enabled the learners to bridge the gap between their education and the world of work, and helped them to find out more about potential career paths that are open to them.

The Shirebrook learners, said:

  • ‘’The programme has gone very well, I was quite nervous at the start but once I met Shaun, I felt a lot more comfortable and as the weeks kept going, I starting to feel a lot more confident. The placement has helped me decide what I want to do in the future.’’
  • ‘’My favourite part of the placement was getting to know all the staff and being able to get along with everyone because they are so friendly – I was offered an apprenticeship opportunity, and this has boosted my confidence.’’
  • ‘’Doing this work experience has helped me gain the confidence to work with the general-public, and work in a professional manner and to be able to handle working under pressure.’’
  • ‘’I have really enjoyed the online side of the business – it has been interesting tracking the customers who shop online and sending emails to them to let them know their order is on the way.’’
  • ‘’My placement has been amazing – this programme has helped me with talking to new people and has improved my confidence.’’
  • ‘’My placement has been great! I have gained confidence and learnt how to deal with difficult situations in a professional way.’’

Carole Healey, Programme Development Manager, said: “I was extremely impressed by the care, support and professionalism of Shaun. The fact that in order to facilitate our learners to the best of his ability and support them, Shaun also undertook to gain a teaching qualification in record time!”

“The inspirational way in which Shaun engages with our young people and the staff who have hosted them in their chosen work placements, is very evident. I could see for myself the difference it made. I witnessed the increase in confidence and maturity that this programme has given them.

“I would like to thank Shaun and everyone involved in this programme. The impact on these young people cannot be underestimated and I know they will carry this experience as a positive in their lives.”

Sandra Currey, Programme Development Worker, said: “Shaun was instrumental in setting up initial meetings with the employers and encouraging them to take part in the work experience pilot and he has taken an active role each week by delivering an excellent induction and several Nearpod lessons based around health and safety to ensure that learners were prepared for the world of work.”

“Shaun went over and above our expectations and undertook the Award in Education and Training qualification before the placement started to ensure that he delivered a professional service for our learners – we can’t thank him enough.”

“Shaun has enhanced the Study Programme curriculum by his involvement and everyone at DACES hopes that the project can continue in the future.”

Bev McKenzie, Study Programme Worker and Tutor, said: “Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Shaun Brown have been tremendous in providing our students with the best possible work placement for their Customer Service qualification and work experience.

“Shaun supported them throughout the process and communicated with the tutors regularly so to ensure the project ran smoothly. We have created a great working relationship with Shaun and look forward to working with him in Sept 2021 when our new cohort are on board.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Planning permission approved for new Saltergate apartments

Planning permission has been granted for a development of 59 new apartments in Chesterfield, based in the former headquarters of North East Derbyshire District Council on Saltergate.

Homes By Holmes, who are already working on the site celebrated the official confirmation of planning approval outside the prominent building, with catering provided by local restaurant, The Galleon Steakhouse.

Jamal Khan, Property Research Analyst at Homes By Holmes commented: “We are over the moon and really looking forward to giving this building a new lease of life.

“We have come to learn from talking to many locals that this former council building was a regular stop for the community, as it was the drop in point to discuss various issues with the council, from council tax to benefits and much more.

“We are proud that we are breathing life back into this building and once again it will benefit the local community through providing homes.”

Part of the company’s work to make the building more aesthetically pleasing was to decorate it with floral banners in time for the Chesterfield ‘In Bloom’ competition.

With just a few days’ notice, the team was able to landscape the front of the building facing out onto Saltergate, along with printing new floral banners and removing graffiti.

After being stood vacant for more than four years, the building will undergo a multi-million pound restoration over two years, with the aim of having the first properties available for occupation by around December 2022.

The restoration of the building is expected to bring several benefits to the town centre and surrounding area, including work and job prospects for local businesses in the supply chain, more footfall in Chesterfield Town Centre with residents using the local high street, and an opportunity for people in Chesterfield to get on the property ladder affordably in the face of current housing shortages.

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

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