Celebrate Chesterfield

Art group for carers donates paintings to Trust base

3rd July 2019

A Chesterfield art group for carers of people with mental health issues has donated paintings to brighten up one of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s bases in the town.

Reception and office areas at Bayheath House, location for the Chesterfield Central Neighbourhood Team in Rose Hill West, Chesterfield, now look a lot more appealing thanks to the work of the town’s Mental Health Carers’ Art Group.

The art group meets every Friday from 10.30am–12.30pm at Chesterfield Labour Club, in Saltergate, Chesterfield, and members are encouraged to use the group to express themselves – even if they begin by saying they can’t draw.

Karen Wheeler, OT Lead and Professional Lead for Chesterfield Neighbourhood and Central, said: “At a service user and carer engagement meeting, members of the art group suggested that they would love to contribute to enhancing the environment of the waiting room. The local staff worked closely with the carers and our estates team to make this possible.”

Jo Slinn, Admin Manager at Bayheath House, was involved in the major task of organising and hanging the artwork, with subjects ranging from still life and landscape to an impressive series documenting a recovery journey.

Malcolm Grieve runs the art group, which he started about four years ago with the aim of encouraging any carers who enjoy, or might enjoy, creative work which would also give them some relief from their caring responsibilities.

He said: “The group offers two hours of respite and everyone is really encouraging. When we were asked if we would like to contribute some pictures to Bayheath House, of course we said yes. Staff have supported us so well.

“All the evidence is that when patients and carers engage in this sort of activity, people’s mental health and wellbeing improves, so that’s the message we want to get across. I really want to push the importance of art as a therapy.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Stories of bravery and strength celebrated at the Peak FM Awards 2019

3rd July 2019

Incredible stories of bravery, resilience and strength were heard as Chesterfield’s biggest local radio station once again hosted the glitzy Peak FM Awards at the Winding Wheel last Thursday.

Red carpet welcomed a VIP audience that ranged from councillors to local businesses who were treated to stellar live performances launched by Britain’s Got Talent’s acrobatic roller-skating duo Rosie and Adam who wowed the audience with an impressive array of stunts setting a dramatic tone for an evening that never failed to excite or move.

Peak FM presenters Ricky, Becky, Craig Bailey and Richie Pearson introduced live acts including Grenfell Tower survivor Leanne Mya who sang a beautiful and poignant rendition of Des Ree’s “You Gotta Be”

The annual Peak FM Awards recognise the outstanding achievement of people from Chesterfield and the surrounding towns often in extraordinary situations. We heard, for example the story of Annette Fathers whose young son was saved from drowning in a Menorca pool when his quick-thinking grandparents dived in and performed CPR earning them the Adult of Outstanding Bravery Award.

Other highlights included the story of Daniel Jones, who despite a dislocated knee managed to trek across Outer Mongolia in temperatures below minus 30. Star of the show, though had to be 103 year old Edie Littlewood who was presented with the most prestigious trophy of the night, the Imogen Ellis Award (so named after Imogen herself received a Peak FM Award in 2017 ahead of her tragic death last year to a rare form of bone cancer).

The full list of recipients at the Peak FM Awards 2019:

Homegrown Talent – Charlie & Imogen Clark (aka “Sweet Harmony”)

Carer of the Year – Carla Bartley

Young Fundraiser of the Year – Hayden Hudson

Fundraiser of the Year – Dawn & Robert Mycroft

Special Recognition Award – Daniel Jones

Community Hero Award – Jason Cotton

Family of the Year – The O’ Halloran Family

Exceptional Sporting Achievement – Sophie Widdowson

Adult of Outstanding Bravery – Colin & Maggie Fielding

Child of Courage – Evie-Rose and Benjamin-Mark Wain

Young Person of Courage – Hannah Kinsell

The Imogen Ellis Award – Edie Littlewood

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield announced as finalist in Derbyshire Business Awards

2nd July 2019

An initiative, which is raising the profile of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) sector careers, has been announced as a finalist in the Business and Education Partnership category at the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards 2019.

The Made in Chesterfield campaign brings together businesses and employers with schools and education providers to deliver hands on experience of the workplace for young people. Since its launch in 2014, the campaign, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and sponsored by the University of Derby, has resulted in over 3,000 young people from schools spending time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “The selection as a finalist at the Derbyshire Business Awards allows us to celebrate and reflect on what this partnership between the business and education sector has achieved so far. We look forward to working with our partners to drive forward Made in Chesterfield to support more businesses and inspire more young people about career opportunities in STEM areas across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.”

Chesterfield College has credited the initiative with helping to make a difference to the awareness of careers linked to STEM subjects. The number of students studying STEM subjects at the College increased from 265 in 2017 to 440 in 2018.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, added: “It’s a time of huge growth and opportunity for Chesterfield and we need to make the most of opportunities such as HS2, Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort; it’s important that the town has the people with the right skills and experience to deliver these projects – and manufacturing and engineering feature heavily in the mix.”

“Getting more businesses from the sector on board and opening more lines of communication between businesses, education providers and schools couldn’t be more important.”

Clare Talati, Director of Derbyshire Education Business Partnership said: “We have seen this initiative grow each year and we actively encourage all schools to get involved; bringing the world of work to life for learners is at the core of what we aim to deliver and the commitment made by local businesses is fantastic.”

The winner of the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Awards 2019 will be announced on Friday 6 September at Derby County FC.

In addition to the University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures.

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

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Leading manufacturer joins Made in Chesterfield campaign

1st July 2019

Another Chesterfield manufacturer, Blachford Acoustics Group, has pledged its support to the town’s campaign to get more young people interested in careers involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

A leading manufacturer of acoustic sound solutions, the company is part of the global Blachford group and employs more than 100 staff at its Holmewood facility.

Blachford is one of a number of businesses from the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector who have thrown their weight behind the Made in Chesterfield campaign which is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership.

The campaign, which was established in 2014, is designed to bring together employers in the manufacturing and engineering sector with schools and education providers. It is run in partnership with University of Derby, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, and Placing Futures and has already been credited with helping increase the number of students studying STEM subjects at Chesterfield College from 265 in 2017 to 440 in 2018.

As part of their involvement in the campaign, Blachford will be welcoming school groups to its Holmewood site and hosting behind-the-scenes tours. A number of Blachford staff are also STEM ambassadors and will be visiting North Derbyshire’s schools to deliver careers talks.

Commenting on the company’s decision to support the Made in Chesterfield campaign, Stephen Hutt, Operations Director of Blachford UK said: “The manufacturing sector offers golden opportunities for careers, unfortunately many young people are unaware of the breadth of job roles available. By supporting the Made in Chesterfield campaign we hope to reach out to young people in North Derbyshire and ignite their interest in manufacturing and in a career at Blachford and the sector as a whole.”

Blachford now joins an exciting line-up of companies and organisations, including United Cast Bar, MSE Hiller, Kingfield Electronics, Aztec Oils, Penny Hydraulics, Chesterfield Police and Trans-Tronic who have all opened their doors to teachers and pupils to help them discover more about careers and jobs on offer in the sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Blachford onboard with the Made in Chesterfield campaign. It’s a time of huge growth and opportunity for Chesterfield and to make the most of opportunities, like HS2, Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort, it’s important that the town has the people with the right skills and experience – and manufacturing and engineering feature heavily in this mix.

“Getting more businesses from the sector on board and opening more lines of communication between businesses, education providers and schools couldn’t be more important.”

Blachford’s commitment to recruiting new talent to the sector doesn’t stop at Made in Chesterfield. The company is offering three degree level apprenticeships to young people leaving school this year.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Avant Homes given green light to bring 173 new homes to Chesterfield

26th June 2019

Avant Homes is set to build 173 new homes at a new £36m development in Chesterfield after planning permission was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located just off the A61 on Brimington Road, the 12-acre former timber yard site will form a key part of the residential area at Chesterfield Waterside – a £340 million regeneration scheme located close to Chesterfield town centre.

Named Waterside Quarter, the development will form part of ‘The Park’ area of the scheme and will be Avant Homes largest site in the Chesterfield area to date. Waterside Quarter will include a mixture of Avant Homes’ contemporary, two, three and four-bedroom homes, designed for modern living, offering buyers 11 different house types to choose from. Groundworks are due to commence in July and the first homes will be ready for occupation in June 2020.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “The Chesterfield Waterside scheme is a hugely important regeneration project for the town, and we are thrilled to be a key part of it. Our design-led collection of homes will give customers more choice, more flexibility and the opportunity to live in an aspirational home at an attainable price.

“We are very pleased to have planning granted and now look forward to works commencing in the coming weeks and delivering what will be a highly desirable place to live for buyers in Chesterfield.”

Chesterfield Waterside is recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects and is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Peter Swallow, managing director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, said: “The granting of planning permission for Avant Homes’ construction of 173 new homes at Chesterfield Waterside is a significant step forward for the scheme in 2019. Avant’s stylish and contemporary homes will now bring forward an exciting new phase in Waterside, one that I know is very much anticipated in Chesterfield and will go towards meeting the demand for additional high-quality housing in the local market.”

For more information about Waterside Quarter, visit To register your interest please contact 01246889785 or visit www.avanthomes.co.uk/waterside-quarter/

Find out more about the £1 billion of developments taking place in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Adorn Jewellers scoops top award at 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

20th June 2019

Adorn Jewellers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite retailer. The independent jeweller, which is owned by husband and wife team Laura Jo and Adam Owen, was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 19 June.

The multi award-winning jeweller, which is based in The Shambles in Chesterfield town centre, also clinched the title of Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held at Casa Hotel.

This is the fifth consecutive year Adorn Jewellers has been recognised at the annual awards, but 2019 is the first year the business has taken the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year.

Delighted to accept the award, Laura Jo Owen said: “After a winning a number of retail awards over the last five years I am absolutely speechless to win Retailer of the Year. Chesterfield has so many fantastic shops and stores that make for an amazing retail landscape, so to win the top award is unbelievable.”

The Retailer of the Year title sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) was just one of 15 awards presented to 13 businesses, events and individuals at the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM presenter, Craig Bailey.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards recognise the very best shops, stores, market stalls and events in the borough. Nominated by shoppers, the winners were all selected by an independent panel of judges as well as Destination Chesterfield assessing the online presence of the businesses.

On the night it was also a double win for Something Special Bridal, based in Old Whittington, which walked away with the Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service titles.

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices and events were too.

Apprentice hairdresser Kelly Jaggers (24) from Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty in Hasland was named Retail Apprentice of the Year and Chesterfield’s popular Food and Drink Festival, which is organised by Edge Events, was voted Best Town Centre Event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards recognises some of the town’s most wonderful people and businesses and the 2019 awards ceremony was no exception. The way we shop is changing and Chesterfield’s retailers are adapting to this brilliantly. They are creating fun experiences for customers; providing spaces to meet, socialise and shop; utilising technology to communicate with customers and teaming up with local businesses and initiatives to ensure the town’s retail sector continues to thrive. Congratulations to every shortlisted and winning business and individual. They all play a very important role in Chesterfield’s economy.”

In addition to Adorn Jewellers, Something Special Bridal, Kelly Jaggers and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival, the winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year (Sponsored by Elite Private Education)

Belle Vie

Alysha Bradley, Owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be crowned Hair and Beauty Business of the Year. We care so much about the people in the business, our customers and the contribution we are all making to the community. The next step for the business is to open a disability retreat for adults and children.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year (sponsored by In the Works PR)

Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, Owner of Dotique said: “We were delighted to win Best New Store last year so to follow that up with the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year award in 2019 is just fabulous. I am ecstatic. I am very proud of Chesterfield and so happy to be here.

Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “We’re over the moon to win the award particularly as it recognises the quality of our produce. I personally hand select all our produce daily from wholesale farmers and markets and if I wouldn’t eat it, then it’s not good enough for our customers. We’re all about quality.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Peak FM)

Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Brian Quinney, Owner of Quinney’s Pet Supplies, said: “It feels amazing to be crowned Leisure Retailer of the year. It’s a fantastic reward after two and half years of hard work. We’ve grown massively since we opened, and we hope to continue that growth in the future.”

Market Hall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Arvato)

R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Simon Davidson, Owner of R P Davidson Cheese Factor said: “It’s a great honour for me and my staff to be crowned Market Hall Business of the Year. It’s important that the business continues to evolve. We don’t want more shops, but we definitely want to work with other retailers, and we have sponsored the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival in Queens Park in 2019.”

Market Trader of the Year (Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Roper’s Honey

Helen Roper, Owner of Roper’s Honey said: “It’s really exciting to be crowned Market Trader of the Year. We love the market, the customers and our fellow market traders – it’s like a big family – just like our business and we hope our children will be the future of it.”

Independent Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design)

Something Special Bridal

Tonya Stickley, Owner of Something Special Bridal, said: “I am over the moon to win. It is beyond amazing. It means so much to me and my little boutique to win the awards. It’s a tough environment economically and politically, so it’s great to recognise the independent retailer.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by The University of Derby)

The Body Shop

Hannah Richardson, Manager of The Body Shop in Chesterfield said: “We were all completely shocked to hear we’d won. We are a small team of four, who are all committed to delivering the very best service to our loyal customers. We are all so proud to have won the award.”

Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by Casa Hotel)

Something Special Bridal

Best Town Centre Event (Sponsored by Spire Radio)

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Laura Ashby, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “It feels amazing to be local to Chesterfield and to win this award. It’s a fantastic event that is for all members of the family. We’re delighted to win.”

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Kelly Jaggers (Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty)

She said: “I am so happy and surprised to win the award. It is so nice to be appreciated. I have just completed my Level 2 apprenticeship and now want to do my Level 3. If you want to learn a new skill or trade, an apprenticeship is the best way to do it.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge, said: “I’m really pleased that I and the whole team have been recognised for the time and effort we put into our apprentice programme. I am a massive advocate of apprenticeships because I know the benefits that they can bring to a business as well as to the career development of young people.”

Best New Store 2018/2019 (Sponsored by Pavements Shopping Centre)

Astra Designs

Donna Danielle, Owner of Astra Designs said: “It’s a big shock to win but feels absolutely amazing to be named as the Best New Store at the Retail Awards. There is so much support for business in Chesterfield. The community and customers mean so much to us and help us grow the business, which means my daughter is able to join it next year as an apprentice.”

Further supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, JayRar, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

For more information and images of the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Students, apprentices and employers awarded for exceptional achievements

11th June 2019

The achievements of exceptional Chesterfield College students, apprentices and local employers were celebrated at an awards ceremony at Casa Hotel recently. The annual celebration event recognises those who go above and beyond to develop their own skills or the skills of the local workforce.

Media make-up student, Georgia Maxwell, from Ripley, was delighted to be chosen as the Student of the Year. Not only is Georgia excelling at college but she also works extremely hard away from her studies. Georgia works part-time as a make-up artist, is a student ambassador for the college and regularly volunteers to help out at college events and at numerous charities and organisations. Keen to build a career in theatrical make-up, she has secured several exciting work experience opportunities.

She said:

“Before the awards I was really nervous, I was physically shaking at the table so you can imagine my shock when my name was called as the winner of the overall Student of the Year. It took me a few seconds to realise it was actually my name up on the big screen; it was such a nice surprise. I still can’t believe it. As well as having the honour of being the Student of the Year, I’ve also won some fantastic prizes including a spa day for two at Ringwood Hall and two tickets to Y Not festival later this summer. It’s been such a great night but now I can’t wait to call my friends to tell them the good news; we’ll definitely be celebrating this weekend!”

The title of Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Beauty Therapist, Barbara Marafini from Sheffield. Barbara is a highly motivated and committed learner who is often praised for her dedication to succeed in her career by her tutors and her employer. She consistently works to a high standard and is always on hand to help and offer support to others.

She said:

“It is really good for the hard work I have put into my apprenticeship to be recognised. It has been a brilliant opportunity to be able to do an apprenticeship. I like being able to study and work at the same time. I work a lot because I want to be the best at what I do. I have my final exams next week and then I will be working full time at the salon.”

Woodhead Construction was crowned as the Employer of the Year. The local company works with the college’s work experience team to provide excellent placements for students at the start of their construction careers. Matt Bust, Business Support Manager and former Chesterfield College student, has been the driving force behind the partnership with the college and always finds the best placement to suit a student’s career goals.

Matt said:

“It is a big part of the company’s social commitment to offer work experience and apprenticeships to bring the next generation into construction. It is brilliant to win this award and be recognised for what we do but the real motivation for doing it is to fill the massive skills shortage in construction. For us it is a key driver to get people into the industry.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said:

“I would like to congratulate all of our nominees and winners. It was wonderful to celebrate our students’ achievements at the awards ceremony, especially with family and friends present to share in their success. Many have shown resilience in the face of adversity and all of them have demonstrated a passion and commitment to develop the skills they need to secure a bright future. It is inspiring to see how students, apprentices and our employer partners value education and where it can lead. The awards demonstrated the incredible work undertaken every day by the staff at Chesterfield College, supporting our students to achieve and progress to positive outcomes as part of building their future career.”

Other winners included:

Level 1 Student of the Year: Erin King
Level 2 Student of the Year: Kelly Hall
Level 3 Student of the Year: Rachel Durcan
Higher Education Student of the Year: Callum Fanshawe, Computer Software Development
Adult Student of the Year: Laura Kirk, Beauty/Massage
English & Maths Student of the Year: Piper Barras
Foundation Studies Student of the Year: Mason Wallis
Sixth Form Student of the Year: Callum Smith
Student of the Year – Business, Professional and Services Industries: Georgia Maxwell
Student of the Year – Engineering, Building Technologies and Construction: Kieran Wieloch
Student Project of the Year: Nathan Smith

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Celebrate Chesterfield

Peak FM’s Craig Bailey to host 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

10th June 2019

Peak FM’s popular mid-morning show presenter, Craig Bailey, has been announced as the host of this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Craig will announce the winners of 15 categories at the glittering black-tie ceremony, which is being held at Casa Hotel on Wednesday 19 June.

Hosting the Retail Awards for the first time, Craig commented: “I’ve been at Peak FM for six years now and regularly shop locally. I have seen first-hand the hard work of retailers across North Derbyshire and it is great that the Retail Awards recognise and reward this. I am really looking forward to the evening and sharing in the celebration of everyone’s success at being shortlisted.”

34 Chesterfield retailers are now set to go head-to-head in the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield. The awards will also honour the work of apprentices in the sector, with three young people shortlisted for the Retail Apprentice of the Year award.

This year, the awards also have a brand-new category – Best Town Centre Event, which recognises the plethora of festivals, events and markets that take place every year in the town centre helping bring in more shoppers.

The shortlisted businesses, individuals and events in the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards are:

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year (Sponsored by Elite Private Education)

Belle Vie
Less than Zero Barbers
TAG Aesthetics

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year (sponsored by In the Works PR)

DHC Countrywear
Dotique
Something Special Bridal

Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
Astra Designs
Etienne Curtains & Blinds

Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Rate Good Brownie Boxes
R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Leisure Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Peak FM)

Geeks Headquarters Ltd
Quinney’s Pet Supplies
StraightCurves

Market Hall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Arvato)

Fairplay Gift Emporium
R P Davidson Cheese Factor
Thanks A Bunch

Best New Store 2018/2019 (Sponsored by Pavements Shopping Centre)

Astra Designs
Ingman’s
The Little White Dress

Market Trader of the Year (Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Roper’s Honey
Spire Vintage
Top Cards

Independent Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design)

H&F
Something Special Bridal
Tech CPR

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by The University of Derby)

The Body Shop
RSPCA
Specsavers

Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by Casa Hotel)

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
Dotique
Something Special Bridal

Best Town Centre Event (Sponsored by Spire Radio)

Chesterfield Artisan Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Kelly Jaggers (Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty)
Laura Davies (JMJ Pottery)
Rebecca McNair (The Therapy Lounge)

Apprentice Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

Bliss, Hair, Nails and Beauty
Fresh Ideas Florists
The Therapy Lounge

All the shortlisted businesses will also battle it out for the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year 2019, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire). The finalists for this category will be announced on the night.

Further supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

Further Information about Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Huge jobs growth at Markham Vale

6th June 2019

A record number of 2,236 people are currently employed at Markham Vale, an increase of almost 600 new jobs over the past twelve months. The figures are the result of Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale Annual Jobs survey.

The 2,236 employees at Markham Vale is now more than the 2,000 people that were employed at the former colliery site in its 1980’s hey day.

There are over 50 companies based at Markham Vale across a range of industry sectors and of varying sizes, with a number of start-up companies employing two or three people and then there are the large multi-nationals employing two to three hundred.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics development located at Junction 29A of the M1 in Derbyshire, a joint venture between Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and Derbyshire County Council.

One of the region’s most successful industrial locations, Markham Vale is home to the likes of Great Bear, Gist, Ferdinand Bilstein and Sterigenics.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “We look forward to welcoming even more businesses at the site very soon and for those looking to relocate or expand, we still have opportunities available so please get in touch for more information.”

Find out more about relocating to Markham Vale and investing in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

The town centre comes to life at this time of year

5th June 2019

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield‘s latest blogs looks forward to the great events happening this Summer in Chesterfield.

We’re half way through the year and the weather is warming up, which can only mean one thing – the events season is upon us and Chesterfield is certainly getting into the swing of it !!

The town centre fully comes to life at this time of year, with events drawing in visitors who are keen to experience something a little different. This is where being a market town gives us one of many advantages as Chesterfield the ready-made outside space in the market to host festivals and events.

I am delighted to see that event organisers are making the most of this space. In May we welcomed Chesterfield Street Food and Grooves Festival for a second year running and the brand new Vegan Knights Festival and of course the ever popular Artisan Market.

Events like these play a big role in encouraging footfall into the town centre, giving visitors the opportunity to see for themselves our great retail and food and drink offering. Often, people can run down the town, claiming in one breath that it is full of empty shops yet, in the same sentence, admit to never shopping in Chesterfield.

The town is most definitely not full of empty shops. In fact, Chesterfield is renowned nationally for having fewer vacant shops than the majority of towns and cities.

We owe our vibrant town centre in part to the plethora of independent businesses who are located there; long established retailers as well as new shops, stores and market stalls opening regularly.

The wealth of independent retailers has never been more apparent that in the shortlist for year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards. We had a record year for nominations with more than half of the 30 finalists being shortlisted for the first time in the awards. The strong shortlist not only mirrors the year-on-year success of these popular awards but also the town’s high-quality and varied retail scene.

It’s very encouraging to see so many people taking the time to nominate their favourites in both the Chesterfield Retail Awards. We have seen a similar picture in nominations for the Food and Drink businesses. Having such a varied shortlist only adds to the excitement of the awards and makes for a very special awards evening.

If you can’t make the Retail or Food or Drink Awards, don’t worry; there’s a whole plethora of things happening in and around Chesterfield this year which showcase the town’s vibrant retail and food and drink scene.

These events are not only an opportunity to have a great time, but also a way to shop local and invest in the economy. We can all play our part in helping make Chesterfield the place to live, work and invest.

Destination Chesterfield has an up-to-date list of events on its website at www.chesterfield.co.uk. You won’t be disappointed!

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

New forum unites Chesterfield’s food and drink sector

5th June 2019

Skills, recruitment and marketing were top of the agenda for the brand-new Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum, which has been launched by Destination Chesterfield.

The new forum builds on the continued success of the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and is designed to further raise the profile of the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

Open to Chesterfield Champions, the group will meet twice a year and has been established to encourage a closer working relationship between businesses operating within the sector.

It aims to support business growth by providing access to training and development and signposting to local business advisers. It is also hoped the group will spark new marketing ideas to further boost the sector and encourage the whole town to get involved.

Hospitality and tourism is the UK’s fourth-largest industry, supporting 4.49 million jobs and generating one tenth of the country’s economic wealth. Chesterfield is no exception. The thriving sector is growing year-on-year with recent developments including the arrival of Deliveroo in Chesterfield in May, the creation of new food and drink units in the former Co-Op building on Elder Way and the redevelopment of the outdoor space at Vicar Lane.

The inaugural event was held at The Crafty Dog on Chatsworth Road and was attended by representatives from The Crafty Dog, Casa Hotel, Brampton Brewery, Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House, R P Davidson Cheese Factor and Salute. It was chaired by Laura Ashby and Richard Alsop from Edge Events, the company behind the Chesterfield Food Festival and Street Food and Grooves Festival and included information for local producers from the Food and Drink Forum Ltd.

Richard Alsop explained: “As Laura and I work with businesses across the food and drink sector providing an event platform for them to deliver their products, as chairs of the forum, we are not only able to be objective, but also understand what matters to the individuals and businesses operating within the sector.

“The first forum went really well and feedback from the attendees was excellent. It has provided us with a great platform to build on. Now, it’s about increasing numbers, connecting people and ensuring we add value to all those who get involved.”

Future plans for the forums include guest speakers from local cookery schools, marketing support including websites and social media and attendance from Chesterfield Borough Council.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Chesterfield’s food and drink scene is thriving as evidenced by the annual Food and Drink Awards which has grown year on year since its launch in 2013. Launching the forum was the next step in bringing together the many individuals and businesses that operate in the sector. The forum will enable them to work together to make the most of opportunities and also collectively find solutions for industry issues such as skills shortages. As the inaugural forum evidenced, together Chesterfield’s food and drink sector is definitely stronger.”

The next Chesterfield Food and Drink Forum will be held at The Tickled Trout on Wednesday 6 November.

If you are a business operating with Chesterfield’s food and drink sector and would like to attend the next meeting, please contact Tara Underhill on 01246 207207 or email tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk.

To find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure