Chesterfield Champion Shorts is pleased to confirm that with effect from November 2018, they have agreed to purchase Clay Cross based accountancy practice Lilleker & King, as sole practitioner Andrew King looks to retire.
Andrew King began his career over 40 years ago, working for (what was then known as) Samuel Edward Short & Co, articled to Jim Briar. He previously worked alongside Andrew Heelin and remained in touch with his former colleagues after leaving the firm before he joined the business of Lilleker & King in 1990.
Andrew Heelin, who is now Shorts’ Accounts Director, comments “We are all looking forward to meeting Lilleker & King’s clients and ensuring that they continue to receive the level of service that they have previously enjoyed.”
Andrew King added “Having trained in my early career myself at Shorts, it was a natural decision for me to look to transferring my business to them when I retired. I know that my clients will receive a great service and be in safe hands with the team at Shorts.”
Andrew King will be working alongside Andrew Heelin over the coming year in order to ensure a smooth transition of his clients. Members of the Lilleker & King team have also joined Shorts.
The University of Derby has signed a memorandum of understanding with Advance HE, making it the first higher education institution in the country to commit to embedding the agency’s best practice framework into all its programmes.
By adopting the Student Success Framework, the University will create a more consistent and integrated approach to curriculum design, as well as enhancing its digital offering. The University will adopt seven principles which will put students at the heart of the learning experience, including supporting student attainment, developing their skills as independent learners, connecting across disciplines and enabling them to become ‘game changers’.
During her visit, Advance HE Chief Executive Alison Johns met Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and her Executive Team, as well as other senior colleagues and students.
Professor Malcolm Todd, the University’s Provost (Academic) said: “Today’s signing reinforces the University of Derby’s role in being a force for positive impact, positioning us at the forefront of the sector.”
“Our aim is to embed the Advance HE Student Success Framework Series across the University, to support the broader aspects of learning and teaching in a more integrated and innovative manner. It aligns with our own Strategic Framework, which is designed to ensure our students graduate with the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes to enable them to fulfil their ambitions and make a positive contribution to the world.”
The signing reflects the University’s commitment to providing a high quality learning and teaching experience for its students, which this year has seen it:
Ranked as one of the UK’s top 30 universities overall in The Guardian’s University Guide for 2019 – it’s highest ever overall position
The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) reported in July that satisfaction with teaching at the University had risen to 88%. In the same survey, student satisfaction at the University overall had risen to 86%, above the national average.
This was reflected in the University’s success in the Times and Sunday Times league table, which saw it rise from 55th last year to 40th this year for student experience.
These achievements followed the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold ranking from the Higher Education Funding Council in 2017, which puts the University of Derby in the top 20% of all providers in the UK.
Professor Mitchell said: “We are delighted to formalise this relationship between the University of Derby and Advance HE. Our commitment to high quality learning and teaching is paramount to our students and staff alike. We look forward to working closely together to deliver on our commitment to an outstanding student experience.”
Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE, added: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Derby. Our Student Success Framework aims to help HEIs deliver practical solutions to improving teaching and enhancing learning. Working with the University of Derby is an important opportunity to foster collaboration so that we can share and learn from best practice.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and Advance HE Chief Executive Alison Johns
Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon are targeting further growth after announcing that entries have opened into the 2019 edition, with an Early Bird price available until January.
Event directors, charity partners and sponsors gathered at Chesterfield’s Market Hall to launch the 2019 event following its huge expansion in 2018, when around 1,500 people signed up to take part – an increase from 800 the previous year.
Entry until 31 January is priced at £22, with the regular price of £28 applying after that date. Runners can also enter the Five Mile Run which takes place at the same time for just £18.
Organisers have set sights on a 2,000-runner total for the 2019 event, with more than 200 people having already signed up following the success of last month’s Half Marathon.
Leading estate agency Redbrik will be 2019 title sponsor for year three of its five-year partnership deal, and Ashgate Hospicecare will once again be the events main charity partner with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice also an event charity partner.
John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We were really pleased with this year’s event. The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is an amazing group of people coming together to make something special happen in the town of Chesterfield.”
“Without all our partners, the event would not happen. The growth that we saw from last year to this year was incredible – let’s hope we can keep doing that, that’s the challenge that we’re setting ourselves.”
“Let’s keep building – we want to get to 3,000, even 4,000 runners, and through our partners I think we’re able to do that. The people of Chesterfield have been amazing in supporting the event – it’s so important to have their support. With their support, anything is possible.”
Mark Ross, Director of the event’s headline sponsor, Redbrik, said: “Being involved in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is fantastic for us as a business. It gives us the opportunity to give back to the town and help further enhance the wellbeing culture which everybody is looking to promote.”
“We’re huge advocates of Chesterfield, we want to promote what’s here and it’s a brilliant place to live and work. To have an event which is expanding, as the Half Marathon has done, is so crucial for the area.”
“It’s also a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness for brilliant local causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, charities which do so much for people across the region.”
For more information on the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon or to sign up click here.
Chesterfield Champion Central Technology has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Best Small Enterprise Managed Service Provider’ at the Service Desk Institute’s IT Service & Support Awards 2019.
Central Technology is an IT and communications solutions provider founded in 2002 by Richard Thompson and Christopher Barr, both from Chesterfield. It has since grown to become one of the region’s leading providers of IT and communication solutions, supporting over 300 customers and employing over 45 highly qualified staff. In 2018, the business moved to new, fully refurbished premises following major growth and success.
Representatives from the Service Desk team will now present to a panel of Service Desk Institute judges with the goal of becoming a finalist for the national awards ceremony in March 2019. The ceremony will welcome over 600 people from across the world to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the brilliant teams and people working in the IT service and support industry.
Ryan Greveson, Digital Marketing Executive at Central Technology, says the company is proud of what they have achieved: “To be recognised by this worldwide organisation is a real accolade for our fantastic service desk team and the rest of the company. Over the past couple of years, we have worked hard to reach a level of maturity where we can offer world class services and consultancy to ensure all of our customers have a seamless customer experience that derives real business value.”
“The entire team here at Central Technology tenaciously adopts best practice and frameworks including ITIL & ISO; these combined with SDI frameworks will ensure we continue to offer the best future technology and services.”
Residents and visitors can experience the magic of Chesterfield Borough Council’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Sunday 18 November.
The event begins from noon with fairground rides and an indoor and outdoor market with stalls offering the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for loved ones. Chesterfield Market Café will also be open within Chesterfield Market Hall.
Youngsters can meet Paddington Bear will in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre at noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.
Santa will also be in residence in Chesterfield Market Hall, on the mezzanine level overlooking the Market Café. Children can meet Santa from 11am to 3.30pm. A visit to Santa will cost £4.50 and each child will receive a present.
The Christmas lights stage show will get underway at 3.30pm with Peak FM providing entertainment.
As well as local acts, stars from Cinderella, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre will perform on stage with the switch-on taking place by Chesterfield’s mayor, pantomime stars and Paddington at 4.45pm.
For more information about Sunday’s event click here.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Our annual Christmas lights switch-on is a great event for all the family to enjoy with the opportunity to meet Paddington Bear and Santa.”
“We provide the event as part of our commitment to supporting the local economy and as well as the market and Market Hall, many of our town centre shops, cafés and restaurants will also be open on the day.”
Chesterfield borough residents can use their free parking pass to park for free at the following council-run car parks:
Simon Wheatcroft, storyteller, technologist and adventurer, is the next inspirational speaker to visit Chesterfield as part of Chesterfield College’s Sparks Series of free public lectures. The lectures are designed to inspire people on a range of topics.
The lecture, which will be held at Chesterfield Library Theatre at 2pm on Wednesday 14 November, will highlight how he made the impossible, possible and achieved some truly remarkable things.
Simon lost his sight at the age of 17 but didn’t want that to define what he was capable of achieving for the rest of his life. By cleverly making use of technology, Simon learned not only to navigate everyday life, but also to run outdoors with only a smartphone app and his remaining senses as a guide. Seven months later, he ran his first ever race – an incredible 100 miles long. Since then, he has gone on to compete in ultra-marathons in the Namibian desert.
He now works with leading technology companies, such as IBM and Google, to assist them to develop products which help others to go further than they ever imagined. He has spoken at a range of conferences and events delivering talks on diversity, inclusion and technology drawing on his own achievements, pushing boundaries and motivating others to reimagine what is possible.
Simon Wheatcroft said: “Inspiring people to keep pushing to break physical and mental barriers is really important to me so it is a wonderful that I can be part of the Sparks Series. I know there will be people in the audience who could be the next generation of technology experts or sports scientists. I hope I can give them an insight into how much their passion for a subject and the way that they apply their studies could have such a positive impact on people in the future.”
Tickets for the Sparks Series are free but booking is essential to secure a place. Places can be booked here or by calling 01246 500500.
The third and final lecture in the Sparks Series, Moments That Changed the World, is to be held at Chesterfield College on 12 December 2019 at 4pm when Roma Agrawal a structural engineer who builds BIG and is making it her mission to excite future generations about the importance of engineering. More information can be found here.
Time is fast running out for visitor economy businesses and services to book free places at a one-day conference featuring local and national experts in accessible tourism – now worth an annual £12 billion to the English economy.
The second Derbyshire Access Exchange will be held at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield on Wednesday November 21 to help the area’s business people and service providers make the most of the so-called ‘purple pound’.
Co-ordinated by Access for All UK, the consultancy arm of Accessible Derbyshire and supported by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the main aim is to create an even more accessible destination by:
Sharing best practice and top tips from national experts
Learning about accessibility projects across the Peak District and Derbyshire
Browsing and sampling products to improve accessibility
Finding out how accessibility can boost profits
Promoting and sharing accessibility projects, plans and marketing techniques
Meeting Accessible Derbyshire, the local charity that can help with funding
Improving confidence in welcoming people with access needs
Collaborating, creating new partnerships and celebrating success
Planning future action to improve accessibility
Key speakers will include Ross Calladine, Head of Business Support at national tourist board VisitEngland; Trizia Wells, Inclusion Manager at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum; Dan Smith, Head of Creative Design at Motionspot, offering insights into dementia-friendly design and Felicity and David Brown, owners of Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, who will share their advice and expertise on how to create accessible holiday accommodation.
The event will be held from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and a complimentary two-course lunch and refreshments are included. During the afternoon, there will be a series of workshop sessions, during which delegates will have the chance to experience the wide range of accessible facilities and services that are on the market.
“National research by VisitBritain reveals that one in five people in the UK have an impairment that might affect where they choose to stay and visit, and that domestic and international visitors spend more than £3.5 billion on overnight tourism trips in England each year,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.
“It also reveals that visitors from this market are more likely to take longer trips, are generally very loyal to destinations that meet their needs, and also that an extra £117 million a year could be generated from additional business if accessibility were improved.”
“So not only is improving accessibility important to improve people’s overall experience, it’s obviously very good for business. We’re very pleased to support this event, which we hope will further enhance the Peak District and Derbyshire’s excellent reputation in this fast expanding field.”
Gillian Scotford, of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire, added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and services to learn more about how they can better appreciate and meet the needs of the 13 million people with disabilities in the UK – ranging from hearing, vision and mobility impairment to autism, learning difficulties and dementia.”
“Last year’s event got things off to a great start. We are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is able to support it for a second time, and also to offer extra funding this year to enable us to offer four training days plus free audits, training and support to 30 small businesses in nine market towns. Their practical and financial commitment to helping to make life easier for people with disabilities is much appreciated.”
“We hope as many people as possible will sign up for what promises to be an enjoyable, interesting and very positive day, and will then take advantage of the follow-up training and support that will be available in the New Year.”
Tickets for Derbyshire Access Exchange can now be booked here.
Gillian Scotford (left) and Jane Cooper of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire
Apprentices and employers from across the country will join together on 22 November for Learning Unlimited’s very first ever National Apprenticeship Awards.
The evening of glitz and glamour at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield sets out to celebrate national apprenticeships and recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment made by organisations over the past year.
The shortlist has been completed and the celebration is now just weeks away. Winners will be announced during the ceremony, which is being compered by TV personality and journalist, Helen Fospero.
Invitations have been issued and places are filling fast but there are some remaining tickets still available for the extravaganza that includes a drink on arrival and three course meal along with music and dancing until 1am.
Mark Bennington, Managing Director at Learning Unlimited, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together for an evening of celebration. It will be the perfect opportunity to recognise the amazing achievements made by apprentices and businesses.”
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year with colleagues and also network with other businesses.”
Awards will include Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and Higher Apprentice of the Year to recognise those apprentices who have demonstrated an outstanding approach to their development. There will also be a special Dedication to Apprenticeship Award for the apprentice who has gone above and beyond their role as an apprentice.
Employers have also been shortlisted across six categories of awards that are designed to recognise companies who have shown a commitment to developing their workforce through apprenticeships. There are also two further categories of awards for individuals who have provided outstanding support to apprentices in the workplace.
Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.
Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.
Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.
“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”
Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.
Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”
This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.
Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.
Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.
More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.
Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.
“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.
“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”
Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”
Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.
Derbyshire’s tourism links with China have been strengthened further with a formal agreement signed by Derbyshire County Council Leader Barry Lewis and delegates from Anhui Province.
The agreement to work together to boost tourism, improve visitor experience and further develop links between the two areas was signed during a tourism conference held at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.
It follows a visit to China in November 2017 when our officials met Li Guoying, Governor of East China’s Anhui province to agree to work more closely on shared interests.
Environmental, economic, education and healthcare were also discussed during the visit which included a tour to our Markham Vale flagship regeneration site and state-of-the-art Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale.
From sampling a famous Bakewell Pudding to exploring Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House – visitors got a taste of what Derbyshire has to offer. The Chinese delegation included representatives from the country’s tourist and business industries.
Councillor Lewis said:”This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with Chinese delegates to further strengthen links between the two areas and showcase what Derbyshire has to offer and learn about Anhui Province.”
“It has been great to share the delights of the Peak District and Derbyshire with the delegation as tourism is an important part of our local economy. The population of the province is about 60 million people, a growing number of whom love to travel so we hope to welcome many more visitors in the future.”
The visit was hosted by Anhui Province with support from Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Council. It was a chance for the delegation to promote the beautiful places to visit in China outside the usual tourist hotspots.
Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3%, while the number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5% at 28,630.
Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis (right) helps show Mr Yang Guangrong, Vice-Governor, Anhui Provincial Government and visitors around Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.
Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon have declared the 2018 event a huge success after a four-figure turnout – with registration into the 2019 event open at a special early bird price.
Around 1,500 people registered for the event across its three elements – the 13.1 mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run.
Gary Gregory was the first to finish in a new Redbrik Half record of 1:14:58. The fastest female was Nicola Holland in a time of 1:26:26.
The fastest male in the Peak FM Five Mile Run was John Sanderson in 0:29:19, with Cath Lee close behind as the fastest female in 0:39:40.
Meanwhile, Jacob Jones was the fastest boy in the Blachford Fun Run and Elizabeth Medd was the fastest girl.
More than 10 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a group entry into the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon which includes registration into each of the event’s three elements.
The event helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, including the event’s charity partners – Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare and North Aston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.
Leading estate agency Redbrik was the headline sponsor the event for the second year of its five-year partnership deal.
John Timms, event director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We were incredibly happy with this year’s turnout to the event, which was a huge success, and even happier that the sun decided to keep shining after ‘testing’ conditions in 2017!
“I’d like to personally congratulate everyone who took part, volunteered or contributed to making the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon a huge success once more.
“I’d also like to highlight the fantastic work of more than 200 volunteers, who gave up their free time to help keep everything running smoothly and assist runners and the general public. Without them, this event would not have enjoyed this level of success.
“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.
“Most importantly, however, the money raised by this event will go a long way to helping good causes like Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, which do so much fantastic work in the local community.”
Mark Ross, director at headline sponsor Redbrik, said: “I took part in the event myself for the second time and I though I may be biased in saying this, it was by far the best Chesterfield Half Marathon yet!
“We’re incredibly proud to play a big role in the event, and I’m thrilled to see that so many people turned out to support it.
“It’s great that so much was raised by the event for good causes too, which is what the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is all about. So many people will have such incredible stories to tell.
“After we’ve all had a hard-earned rest, all eyes will now turn to 2019, and with entries open already and special discounts for those who took part this year, we’re already incredibly excited to see where this event can go next.”
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