Celebrate Chesterfield

Chesterfield sees increase in visitor economy

Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.

New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.

Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”

“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”

As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.

In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

A planning application has recently been submitted by David Lloyd for Adrenaline World, a visitor attraction at the Peak Resort development at Unstone.

Click here to find out more about leisure in Chesterfield

Click here to see our list of great places to visit in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Celebrity chef in town to host Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

One of Britain’s much loved and well-known chefs, Brian Turner CBE, will be in town on Wednesday 23 October, when he hosts the sell-out 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the awards ceremony, which is now in its seventh year, recognises the crème de la crème of Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, which includes being one the first chefs on the long running TV programme, Ready Steady Cook, Brian is well-placed to announce the winners of 15 categories at the awards.

Looking forward to the ceremony, Brian commented: “I am delighted to host the seventh annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. It is very encouraging to see these awards not only recognising established businesses, but also up and coming young chefs and apprentices who are the future of this wonderful industry. I am looking forward to being in the company of so many people who share my passion.”

A total of 39 businesses and individuals have been shortlisted across 15 categories, with Bottle & Thyme hoping to retain its coveted title of Restaurant of the Year for a second year running. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

On the night, the 260 guests will be welcomed with a selection of canapes served by hospitality and catering students from Chesterfield College, as well as enjoying a delicious two-course meal incorporating local produce – from Derbyshire Bakewell Tart to Dovedale Blue Cheese.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Bottle & Thyme
Ciuri Ciuri Restaurant
Lombardi’s Restaurant

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier Group

The Lilypad Café
H&F Vintage Tea Rooms
Qoozies

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

The Market Pub
The Rectory
The Red Lion at Peak Edge Hotel

Pub/Bar of the Year

Pump & Grind
The Rose & Crown
The Three Horseshoes

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Afat’s Grill
Pig & Pump
Sorbo Lounge

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme
Junction Bar
The Lilypad Café

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Horse & Jockey, Wessington
Orangery Restaurant, Darley Dale
Southgate Brasserie at Van Dyk by Wildes, Clowne

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Cocina at Casa Hotel
Delhi 41
O-Tokuda

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

The Bulls Head, Holymoorside
Chesters
The Six Halts, Clay Cross

Conference Venue of the Year

Casa Hotel
Chatsworth House
Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Jake Parkin
Sophia Johnson
Callum Fitzpatrick

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Edge Events Management Ltd

Crooked Pickle Co
Derbyshire Distillery
Moss Valley Fine Meats

Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Denny Pearson
Donna McMahon
Stuart Mcardle

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa
Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House
The Tickled Trout

Chesterfield Food Hero – sponsored by Casa Hotel

To be announced at the ceremony

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Franklins & Sons, Magnifica, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd) and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

For more information about the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards

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

Chesterfield’s Peak FM turns 21

Chesterfield’s Peak FM are today celebrating 21 years since the launch of the commercial radio station on 7th October 1998. 21 years and a few format changes on, the station looks back at 21 years of local radio, still in exactly the same building.

To mark the special occasion, during the breakfast show Peak FM played special music features from its birth year alongside a few surprises – including an on-air appearance from its first ever presenter, Mark Burrows. Mark shared anecdotes of the early days with current presenters Richie Pearson and Becky Hayes, including how at one stage during launch the station was housed in the back of a chinese restaurant. The original 8am launch was recreated when Mark introduced the first song ever played on Peak FM – “Alive and Kicking” by Simple Minds, exactly as he did back in 1998.

Tim Smith, Content Controller at Peak FM said: “It’s just fantastic Peak FM has had so much impact on people’s lives across North Derbyshire this last 21 years and continues to do so. Our team love the area so much; we’ve seen that reflected in RAJAR growth and the engagement we get every day so we’ve planned a really exciting day to thank our listeners for being with us!”

Staff at the station dug out their best (and worst) 1998 clothes, gave away an original PlayStation 1 and are distributing birthday cakes across the region throughout the day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Whittam Cox Architects ranked in UK’s Top 50 Architects

Whittam Cox Architects have secured a place in the Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings for the fifth consecutive year.

The annual Top 150 Consultants league table, produced by leading industry publication ‘Building Magazine’, has ranked the practice as 79 out of all the firms who made the top 150, which includes Architects, QS’s, Project Managers, and Engineers.

The practice has also secured spot at number 42 in the top UK Architects alongside other top practices such as Foster and Partners, BDP, Sheppard Robson, Allies and Morrison & others. The ranking reinforces the fact that Whittam Cox Architects are one of UK’s largest architects’ practices, servicing clients and projects nationwide.

Commenting on the milestone Board Director Nick Riley commented; “We are delighted to be recognised by Building again; we see this as an endorsement of our focussed efforts in delivering tangible value to our diverse range of clients and projects. Looking ahead we know we can’t be complacent; it’s essential we remain ambitious, agile and responsive to continued times of political and market uncertainty.”

See the Building article and league tables by clicking here.

Whittam Cox Architect of the Year

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Two elements of A61 Corridor Scheme secure D2N2 funding

Two projects to improve transport links through the A61 Growth Corridor Scheme will now benefit from D2N2 funding.

The Sustainable Transport project has been awarded £1.69 million from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund of the total £2.12 million cost whilst 21st Century Transport’s £3.75 million total cost will benefit from £3 million Local Growth Fund injection.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan said of the news: “Creating strong and faster transport links across the north of our region are key to helping the economy of our region grow, particularly with work on the nearby North-Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone continuing at pace.”

“D2N2 has a strong commitment to clean growth and maintaining our natural assets, therefore I’m delighted that the projects we’ve funded as part of the A61 Growth Corridor will make it easier for local people to cycle to work as well and help make the air they breathe cleaner.”

With a number of significant residential and employment developments proposed within the corridor including Peak Resort and the Avenue, both projects form part of the larger Transport Mitigation Strategy for the area and aim to improve the resilience of the local transport network.

A more resilient transport network will lead to additional investment in the area including more employment opportunities and a greater number of homes, allowing the area to become more productive, more prosperous, and more inclusive.

This package of measures will provide infrastructure improvements and reduce commuter journey times, provide sustainable transport routes, and also ‘unlock’ further opportunities for major housing and employment growth along the A61 corridor through Chesterfield and into north-east Derbyshire.

Furthermore, as part of D2N2s commitment to clean growth, the improvements to the transport network will prioritise active travel, cycling, and pedestrianisation through new and upgraded paths and cycle routes.

Once works are complete in 2021, residents and local businesses will also benefit from a technology package which will include bus real-time information for bus passengers, car parking guidance and information, and CCTV.

The ‘A61 corridor’ into and through Chesterfield was among the first of D2N2’s named Growth Deal projects.

In addition to The Sustainable Transport and 21st Century Transport projects, the A61 Corridor scheme also includes 3 additional elements: The Chesterfield Station Masterplan, The Avenue Southern Access, and Clowne North projects.

Each element of the plan will be accessed by the D2N2 Investment Board ahead of any final decision on funding allocation.

D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It has been allocated more than £250m in LGF funding from the Government, to part-fund infrastructure projects which directly help its area’s economy and create jobs.

Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. By 2021 Government will have invested over £12billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing Local Enterprise Partnerships to use their local knowledge to stimulate economic growth across the country.

Local Growth Minister Jake Berry said of the project securing funding: “This Government is committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and throughout the UK as we leave the EU on October 31.

“Supporting the development of a more resilient transport network is just one of the ways that the Government helps local communities to thrive. The Local Growth Fund’s £4.69 million investment will drive economic development within the area – tackling traffic congestion, improving air quality and enabling greener transport choices”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Internet grows the high street star

Social media plays an important role in supporting retailers by driving footfall and ultimately increasing sales.

It isn’t a case of the internet destroying retail; the businesses that use it effectively can create interest and build a relationship with customers.

Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business.

At the Chesterfield Investment Summit, Polly Barnfield OBE from tech company Maybe* said: “Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business.  It’s not a question of a business being online or offline anymore – they must be both.  There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years driven by social media.  For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV.”

Polly Barnfield OBE - Chesterfield investment Summit

Social Media from businesses shouldn’t just be me, me me!

As someone who encourages people to promote their place, it was great to hear Polly reinforce the view that activity on social media from businesses shouldn’t just be me, me, me!

Polly urged retailers not to focus on selling themselves on social media. “Engagement with the community around you is key. You can’t just sell your own product on social media if you want to be successful.  Retailers should post on social media every day and talk to their audience not just about what is happening in their business, but what is happening around them.”

Since Maybe* has been working with Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in Chesterfield, footfall has increased by 29%.  Through social media, the centre is interacting with its customers, asking them what they want and developing new events and facilities based on feedback.  It is not surprising that giving customers more of what they want keeps them coming back.

As a marketeer who has worked with social media for many years, I find it amazing how many people forget where these sites came from.  The clue is in the title!  They are all about social engagement and for conversations, not for shouting views or asking customers to buy.  It’s about engaging, listening, building relationships and creating a community.

Social media is the modern form of word of mouth and with everyone’s support, we can all play a role to engage with local businesses and share Chesterfield’s story far and wide.

Case Studies from Chesterfield business

We have some excellent case studies of businesses in Chesterfield, which are using social media to grow:

Geeks Headquarters

Geeks Headquarters

Alberto Naso

“We use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitch live streaming to showcase our products and tournaments. This has led to us increase our national and international sales. We have recently sent our 3D printed miniatures across Europe, China, and the USA.”

Ingmans

Ingmans

Andy Ingman, 
“By posting on social media it’s a constant reminder to customers that we are here and keeps the business in the front of their minds. The more independent retailers within the town that use social media to promote local activities, the more it benefits all the other companies and shops.  We are big on supporting each other.”

Adorn Jewellers at Chesterfield Retail Awards

Adorn Jewellers

Laura Jo Owen

“We’re active on most major social platforms, but customers prefer to contact us via Facebook and Instagram. Jewellery lends itself to image-based platforms and our customers can browse, ask questions, buy jewellery and have it delivered all from the comfort of their mobile phone. Join us @adornchesterfield”

H&F

H&F

Louise Peel

“As a town centre furniture retailer we have found that using social media campaigns have been vital in successfully promoting our business. It is also a great opportunity for our customers to visit Chesterfield, supporting the town centre by creating awareness and driving footfall, which helps increase both local and visitor spend.”

Etienne Blinds

Etienne Curtains & Blinds

Stephen Holland

“I only recently started using social media to promote my business, but already I can see it is a great way to reach out to customers and potential new customers by getting them to follow you, and it’s absolutely free. My advice – grow your audience to grow your business.”

Please do give the Destination Chesterfield social media channels a follow and engage with us.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Hashtags

You can follow or use the following hashtags across all social media channels.

#lovechesterfield – positive posts about the town

#chesterfieldnews – local news

#chesterfieldevents – local events

#shopchesterfield – Shopping in Chesterfield

#eatchesterfield – Food and Drink in Chesterfield

Blog by Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager at Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Town Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Independent giftware and home décor store to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is delighted to announce the opening of a brand new independent giftware and home décor store, ‘Shop Indie’ at the centre on 1st October.

The ethos of Shop Indie is to showcase fabulous products from independent makers and designers from across the UK.

The collection includes unique handmade jewellery, stationery, prints & art plus baby & child décor, cards for every occasion and a selection of gifts available to personalise.

Lisa from Shop Indie said, “As an independent maker myself, I have been constantly impressed by the talent and creativity of people from across the UK. After being in business the last 10 years, John and myself have seen a massive shift towards online shopping which we have so far embraced. However, nothing beats being able to see the detail and work that goes into every product in person, and we wanted to bring this back to the high street.”

Lisa added: “Chesterfield has a lovely range of independent shops already, and we feel that the town would be a great fit for us. We look forward to giving the people of Chesterfield the opportunity to discover something a little different on their high street.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “Shop Indie really does offer our customers something special on their visit into Chesterfield. As the high street only continues to face increasing pressures from the rise of online shopping, it’s imperative that we offer our customers a unique and high quality shopping offer, which stores like ‘Shop Indie’ provide.”

The addition of ‘Shop Indie’ to Vicar Lane brings a high-quality, exclusive product offering to the heart of Chesterfield, offering customers greater choice when shopping for a special gift or new addition for their home.

Click here to find out more about town centre shopping

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Derbyshire businesses invited to one of Europe’s largest walking & cycling fairs

Derbyshire tourism businesses have the chance to reach thousands of potential international visitors at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs walking and cycling fair in the Netherlands next spring, thanks to an exciting opportunity offered by the area’s official tourist board.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has announced that as part of their £1.2 million ‘Delivering a World Class Visitor Economy within Derbyshire’ project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), they will be flying the flag for the area at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs walking and cycling fair in Utrecht, from 28th February to 1st March 2020.

Fiets en Wandelbeurs is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, attracting over 40,000 walking and cycling enthusiasts who are passionate about active holidays, excursions and experiences. The fair has a complete offering in walking and cycling, from routes and destinations to the latest equipment and innovations.

The tourist board is inviting a small number of businesses from the Peak District and Derbyshire to join them at the fair for the chance to promote their business and reach new markets, encouraging more international visitors to book a break – and discover great walking and cycling – in the area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Derbyshire businesses who are interested in reaching overseas visitors. Thanks to our beautiful countryside, amazing landscapes and fantastic walking and cycling opportunities, the Peak District and Derbyshire is already a popular destination for Dutch visitors and the Netherlands is one of our priority markets.

“Together with the help of passionate local businesses at Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht, we hope to encourage even more international tourists to book an overnight break and discover what we have to offer.”

To qualify for the opportunity to join Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s stand at Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht, your business must be:

  • Based in Derbyshire
  • An SME (less than 250 employees)
  • A visitor economy business (or part of its supply chain)

Successful applicants will be responsible for their own travel and expenses but will be provided with the trade show space free of charge due to the ERDF project funding.

The closing date for applications is 17:00 on Friday 25th October 2019. Successful applicants will be notified in early November.

To find out more and to apply for a space, please click here.

Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Look back at a successful summer

Like many other people, I enjoyed a break away this summer, and as always it was an opportunity to relax, sample new food, and overindulge!

A break away from the town gives us the opportunity to see it in a new light. Often, you don’t notice the progress and growth that has been achieved until you have time away from familiar surroundings. Sometimes we need that break from the town to realise how far it has come in recent years – and the ambitious plans it has for the future. More than a billion pounds worth of investment is happening here right now, bringing with it new homes, businesses and jobs.

In the past couple of months alone we have, for example, seen the opening of the new Multi Storey car park and the archaeological dig which will lead to the delivery of the new innovation centre at the Northern Gateway, the commencement of the new housing by Avant Homes at Chesterfield Waterside, and a planning application submitted for the ‘Adrenaline World’ leisure facility at Peak Resort. We have also seen premier league side Sheffield United visit the town to play a pre-season friendly against Chesterfield FC.

The Saltergate car park is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and is located on Saltergate. With 526 spaces, the new car park is open 24 hours and has wider spaces than the previous car park it replaces.

Amongst many other attractions, we have a superb food and drink scene in the town. This was celebrated recently with the highly successful Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival held in Queens Park. We are lucky to have authentic cuisine from around the world on our doorstep as well as home grown culinary talent and food producers right here in Chesterfield.

Peak: Gateway, Resort, Campus

PEAK plans to be an integrated leisure, health, sport and education destination on the edge of the Peak District National Park; set on the 300-acre Birchall Estate in Chesterfield.

Next month, at the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, we have the opportunity to recognise the people and produce that are helping put Chesterfield on the culinary map.

Remember, there are many things, including food, drink, scenery and a warm welcome, to name but a few, that we don’t even need to leave the town to enjoy; Chesterfield truly has much to offer.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

The winners of this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, in association with The Chesterfield College Group, will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 23rd October 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Rate Cute pop up shop opens in Vicar Lane

The Rate Cute pop up shop opened at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre today (20 September), offering vintage clothing, accessories and more.

Rate Cute is a fashion brand owned by Charlotte Bolton (below), selling vintage, up-cycled clothing and handmade goods. As well as Charlotte’s own brand, the store will feature other small businesses and independent designer makers from all across the UK.

Charlotte said: “We’ll be stocking handpicked vintage clothing, handmade clothing, prints, accessories, greetings cards, ceramics, homeware – that’s all very modern and quirky.”

The shop will be located in the former Grainger Games unit, next to Iceland. The store will remain open until Christmas, however may remain open longer.

Charlotte Bolton says: “I’m super excited – I did the yarnbombing in Chesterfield a few years ago, to try and bring something fun and creative to the town, so now I’m really excited to be opening a pop-up shop which is definitely going to bring something different.”

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “The addition of Rate Cute is really exciting for Vicar Lane. There is a growing trend for wearing more unique styles as well as a more ethical, conscious approach to fashion and shopping in general, so we’re sure the store will appeal to a number of new and existing customers at Vicar Lane.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is home to a wide selection of fashion, homeware, jewelry and beauty stores to suit all tastes.

See more pictures on our Facebook page here.

Click here to read more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield sporting pioneer recognised in first Lucozade Sport Movers List

Chesterfield’s John Croot, pioneer of walking football and CEO of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, has been included in the UK’s first Lucozade Sport Movers List.

From a paddleboard yoga enthusiast and a BMXer steering youths away from gang violence, to an ‘IronGran’ dedicated to keeping O.A.Ps fit, the Lucozade Sport team of researchers have recognised 50 individuals who inspire others to move.

John is non-executive director of the Walking Football Association and has played a key part in introducing walking football to the world. Walking football is credited with helping to stimulate mental and physical wellbeing for the older generation. The slower pace and less contact is perfect for people looking to keep active by playing the sport they love. Walking Football is now played in over 50 countries, and has over 60,000 players in the UK.

John said: “I’m delighted to be included in the first ever Lucozade Sport Movers List. It’s great to be recognised for the role I have played in the modern version of walking football. It’s unbelievable to think that a sport that started only a few years ago in Chesterfield has grown to be one of the fastest growing sports in the world.”

In June, Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium hosted the first ever Walking Football European Nations Cup. The weekend featured a national club tournament on Saturday, followed by the European Nations Cup on Sunday. There were around 250 players over the two days, involving Over 50s and Over 60s teams from different European nations.

You can view John’s Movers List profile here.

Photographer Gray Hughes

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting