Celebrate Chesterfield

Working together to achieve world-class results for Peak District & Derbyshire

The overarching message to delegates at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday was that working together is vital to secure the future success and prosperity of the Peak District and Derbyshire together to continue to create a world-class destination and five-star visitor experience.

Keynote speaker, Television Presenter and Peak District and Derbyshire champion Julia Bradbury, tourist board Managing Director Jo Dilley and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council all reinforced the rallying call as the visitor economy gears up for further success in the future.

Julia, the first-ever female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club told around 150 delegates that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire was listening to what businesses feel they need and responding to it.

“The key is communication, and working together in a collaborative effort is much more successful. When we lived in Sheffield and my family ran a fashion couture shop, we shared clients with local businesses – a win-win for all and very happy customers. Helping and working with and for each other is important. We shouldn’t always think of neighbours as competition.”

“Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire needs businesses to support it through membership. This doesn’t just allow it to bid for funding to deliver workshops and support. The more members it has, the more marketing campaigns it can deliver, both nationally and internationally, to raise the profile of the area and drive visitors here. As co-founders of The Outdoor Guide, my sister Gina and I are proud to be part of this.”

Jo Dilley emphasized the continuing need for close teamwork between the public and private sectors, the tourist board and its Patrons and members, the University of Derby, D2N2, Visit England and VisitBritain.

“By coming together, we are far more powerful,” she said. “Our mission is to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.”

“We want to offer a world class experience, encouraging visitors to share and recommend the area as a great place to take a holiday. The visitor economy is currently in very robust shape, and we are confident that next year will be equally, if not more, successful.”

“The income we receive from our public and private partners through grants, patronage and membership is extremely important in our ongoing quest to secure other funding from sources such as the Discover England Fund and the European Development Fund. Since 2016, we have attracted an extra £2.5 million to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor Barry Lewis underlined the key role that the visitor economy plays in Derbyshire County Council’s plans to drive economic growth for both residents and businesses.

“We recognise the fundamental role the tourist board plays in marketing tourism both domestically and internationally – but it is more than this. It is the focal point for business support to the visitor economy sector, and we are delighted to work alongside the team, always striving to help our businesses grow and offer even more excellent services and products to our visitors.”

Councillor Lewis welcomed the formation of the new Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, chaired by former VisitEngland Chief Executive and Derbyshire-born James Berresford.

The Board has been created to maximise the economic potential of Derbyshire’s unique and distinctive cultural and environmental assets to create an exceptional and thriving destination where people can live, work, visit and invest.

Councillor Lewis also underscored the importance of strategic regional initiatives such as the Midlands Engine and a new East Midlands Strategic Alliance to keep the visitor economy at the heart of Government policy and investment.

The tourist board team also looked forward to its forthcoming Food & Drink Campaign, set to be launched next spring to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire’s diverse and delicious culinary offer, plus a new initiative to develop business tourism, also scheduled to launch in 2019.

This will focus on bringing in new business at traditionally quiet times of year and also midweek, tapping into the potential of the wellbeing and health market and capitalising on the area’s assets as an accessible place where people can work, rest and invest.

Pictured (left to right) are: Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Deputy Director Lindsay Rae; its Managing Director Jo Dilley; Councillor Barry Lewis, Television Presenter  Julia Bradbury, tourist board Chairman Paul Jones and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd.

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

Ashgate Hospicecare unveil new Garden Room and Dementia Friendly Courtyard thanks to a generous donation

Last week, Ashgate Hospicecare officially opened the doors to their brand new dementia friendly courtyard and garden room thanks to the amazing generosity of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust.

The new garden room provides a homely sanctuary to patients and their families who want non-clinical, modern space to spend precious time together. The garden room is also a gateway to a welcoming outdoor space which has been designed to be dementia friendly. There are sensory plants, a tranquil water feature, comfortable seating and a mural that all contribute to creating a peaceful outdoor space.

Graham Moore, Chairman of the Westfield Health Charitable Trust, said: “As a longstanding supporter of Ashgate Hospicecare we are delighted to have funded the new courtyard and garden room, which I had the privilege of officially opening. This is an amazing space where patients and their families can spend quality time together, which I’m sure will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of patients.”

The transformed area will significantly improve the Hospice experience for all of our patients and their families, particularly for those with cognitive difficulties, as well as providing families with a place to take loved ones that is easily accessible but close by to the nurses which is important for continuity of care.

John Beeston, a patient in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “This was my first time seeing the courtyard and I think it looks amazing. It reminds me a lot of being at home because we get a lot of sparrows in our garden, just like those painted on the mural. It’s wonderful to have the bird feeders too because hopefully they will attract lots of birds into the courtyard.

The garden room is a wonderful addition too! It’s lovely because it can be used all year round and you can open up the bi-folding doors and feel like you’re outside even if you’re inside.”

Richard Gosling, who is also in Ashgate Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit, said: “I think that the courtyard is super! It’s just what we wanted. I spend a lot of time in the gardens at the Hospice, so having this extra outside space is great.”

Local businesses also added to this special addition to the Hospice. Without the support of Gary Fletcher Surfacing, John Plant MBE, Tesco’s Bags of Help, K B Rouse, Peter Barber, Walton Landscapes, TG Beighton, Hospice garden volunteers, Valley Reclamation, the DEEP Group, the Hospice Dementia Champions and CMC Aluminium this project wouldn’t have been possible.

Julie Foster, Ashgate Hospicecare Matron said: “We are so grateful to the Westfield Health Charitable Trust and everyone else involved who made this project possible. We have known for a long time that the environment has a huge impact on patient wellbeing, this new space is a home from home, a space for patients to relax, to celebrate with loved ones, to simply enjoy when it matters most.”

The Hospice was awarded ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2015 for our care, the garden room and courtyard are now outstanding spaces to match this care and have inspired the Hospice to make improvements to other areas on the Inpatient Unit.”

Ashgate Hospice Garden Room Courtyard

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

University of Derby named 13th for teaching quality in league table

The University of Derby is the 13th best university in the UK for teaching quality, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 league table.

The table, to be published this weekend, will show that the University has climbed from 22nd to joint 13th in the country for its teaching quality.

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, said: “The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranking is a very important assessment of a university’s progress across a range of measures. To be ranked joint 13th in the country for teaching quality is a fantastic achievement, and further reinforces our commitment to delivering teaching and learning excellence at Derby.

“Our teaching strategy encourages our academic teaching staff to be innovative in their approach to teaching and to be flexible enough to support the learning needs of individual students. We aim to help every student fulfil their potential and prepare them for their future career or further study.”

This league table position is the latest in a long line of achievements for the University of Derby, 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
  • Named among the world’s top 250 modern universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University rankings
  • Presented with the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year Award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs)

The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) reported in July that satisfaction with teaching at the University of Derby had risen to 88%. In the same survey, assessment and feedback had moved up to 79% satisfaction, with student satisfaction at the University overall rising to 86%, above the national average.

In August, University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) Academic Manager Paula Shaw received a National Teaching Fellowship – the most prestigious individual award in higher education – in recognition of her outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession.

And Dr Ian Turner, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at the University, was shortlisted in the ‘Most Innovative Teacher of the Year’ category for the 14th annual Times Higher Education Awards 2018. The award ceremony takes place in November.

Those successes followed the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award from the Higher Education Funding Council in 2017, which puts the University of Derby in the top 20 per cent of all providers in the UK.

This year’s Times and Sunday Times league table also puts student experience at the University of Derby at number 40, up from 55th last year. Overall, the University was ranked 75th, up from 81st in last year’s table – its highest ever overall ranking in the Times and Sunday Times league table.

Professor Mitchell added: “The importance of the student experience of Derby is inextricably linked to outcomes, and we have worked hard with our student body to ensure that they have a greater voice in the way the university is run, as well as investing in new accommodation and facilities.

“Our vision is for Derby to be recognised as an inclusive university, providing the knowledge, experience and support that give our students the skills and confidence to achieve what they are capable of.”

Read more about the University of Derby’s Chesterfield campus, St Helena, by clicking here.

University of Derby 13th teaching quality

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Record visitor numbers boost Chesterfield economy

New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.

The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.

As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.

“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.

“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.

“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”

Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and events

Crooked Spire in Spring - Visit Chesterfield

Crooked Spire in Spring

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

Visit Peak District website in Top 10 for UK Destinations

New data released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals for the past six months, the tourist board’s website www.visitpeakdistrict.com has consistently ranked in the top ten most visited sites for around 150 UK destinations, alongside such places as Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

More than a million user sessions were logged between 20 February and 19 August, a rise of more than 37 per cent on the same period in 2017.

The site now also outranks Trip Advisor when people enter the keywords Accommodation in the Peak District and Things to Do in the Peak District on Google.

In addition, the tourist board’s social media following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram has increased by 22 per cent in the past year from just under 75,000 in July 2017 to more than 92,000.

It was recently revealed that tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy rose to £2.15 billion in 2017 and annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “When we relaunched our consumer website our main aim was to put visitors right at the heart of our planning and offer them a much better, more streamlined experience”

“We’re delighted that, for the first time, we’re ranked in the top ten most visited UK sites out of about 150 UK destinations – previously the best position we’ve achieved has been 13th.

“It’s also great to see that our social media following has grown substantially over the past year, thanks to our emphasis on posting engaging, image-led content – particularly on Instagram, where our following has increased by 46 per cent.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the team for their hard work and commitment to putting the Peak District and Derbyshire where it belongs – as the UK and overseas visitors’ destination of choice, regionally, nationally and globally.”

tourism

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Value of Peak tourism hits new heights

The value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by six per cent to £2.15 billion.

New research released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals that the increase on 2016 was double the average annual rise of three per cent since 2011.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3 per cent, while the number of full time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5 per cent at 28,630.

The latest figures also reveal a trend for more visitors to stay in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering and at camping and caravanning sites.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said “This is excellent news for the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, and for everyone who lives, works and comes to stay here”

“The significant rise in tourism’s overall value over the past year signals that our long-term policy to run innovative and targeted marketing, PR and social media campaigns to encourage more people to come and stay for longer and to spend more money here is really paying off.”

“The latest figures also show that our efforts to attract more visitors at quieter times of the year to extend the season from February to November are also effective, with more people staying for three or four nights rather than two.”

Vote for the Peak District and Derbyshire in the ‘Best Holiday Region or County’ category as part of the British Travel Awards 2018. Click here to find out more and cast your vote!

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Peak FM launches Shop Local campaign in Chesterfield

Following the success of similar Peak FM initiative Shop Local last summer, this year the radio station has decided to go a step further with a full journalistic investigation into the state of the streets in Chesterfield, combined with an emotive collection of live shows and appearances on the streets.

Shop Local 2018 officially launched at 6am on Monday 20th August when Peak FM Breakfast hosts Ricky and Becky broadcast their breakfast show live from the centre of Chesterfield.

Ricky and Becky were joined by Peak FM’s journalists and events team who spoke with Toby Perkins MP, Chesterfield Borough Council leader Tricia Gilby, market traders, shoppers and campaign groups. During the campaign, the radio station will be asking questions to those in influential positions to get a real steer on Chesterfield’s issues and those in the surrounding towns.

Toby Perkins MP told Peak FM: “It is tempting to walk around and just spot an empty unit, but actually 93 percent of the stores in Chesterfield are being used.”

“We need to recognise the shape of town centres is changing, but also recognise how much better we’re doing than many other towns that I could mention around here.”

Peak FM’s Content Controller Tim Smith is sure the campaign will have impact: “We already have a superb range of shops in Chesterfield, some really innovative independent businesses and one of the biggest markets in Europe. We’re really confident this drive will remind people just how much there is on offer here! So come down – meet Ricky, Becky and the team and let’s show our Chesterfield shopkeepers, market traders and retailers how much we love them!”

To find out more about Peak FM’s Shop Local campaign check out their website or tune in.

Peak FM’s Joe Rawson talks to Toby Perkins MP

Shop Local

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Franklin & Sons receives six stars at the Great Taste Awards 2018

Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield’s Global Brands, is celebrating another year of success at the Great Taste Awards, with four of its drinks picking up the renowned accolades this year. Having received Great Taste honours for three years running Franklin & Sons has now truly cemented its status as one of the highest quality drinks brands in the UK. Consistently meeting the exacting standards of the judges, the brand can now boast ‘Great Taste Producer’ status.

Franklin & Sons was the only Natural Indian (non-flavoured) tonic water to achieve the coveted 2 stars within the 2018 awards, whilst the Naturally Light Tonic Water also achieved one star. From the soft drinks range Wild Strawberry & Scottish Raspberry with Cracked Black Pepper also achieved the coveted 2 star status and British Dandelion & Handpicked Burdock with Star Anise also celebrated a one star win.

Calli O’Brien, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons states:

“We are extremely proud of our range and to have our flagship variant, Natural Indian Tonic Water, as the only non-flavoured tonic to receive two stars is just outstanding. We are continuously blown away by its fantastic taste & ability to bring out the best in all spirits, not just gin, and are absolutely ecstatic that the expert panel at Great Taste agree!”

O’Brien adds “It’s been an incredible three years, culminating in achieving ‘producer’ status this year. Natural ingredients with real provenance that deliver exceptional taste experiences have always been a focus for us across the entire range. We have the highest possible standards and ensure that only the best quality products, that also reflect the heritage the brand, make it to market.”

Now based at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, the company was originally launched in 1886, and has led the premium soft drinks and mixer industry with its dynamic range of drinks. They export to over 30 countries around the world while maintaining its family-oriented roots.

Franklin & Sons is available to purchase in the off-trade from prestigious stores such as Harrods, Selfridges, and Booths, as well as national supermarket Tesco, Ocado and in exclusive on-trade venues such as Claridges, Hilton Hotels, & Marco Pierre Whites.

Franklin & Sons

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Ringwood Hall’s new spa awarded 5 Bubbles

The Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has been awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble rating for its newly opened Garden Secret Spa – the first to be awarded within Derbyshire in 2018.

The Bubble rating is awarded by the Good Spa Guide which is the expert guide to the best UK spas and treatments.  Just 21 spas within the UK have achieved 5 Bubbles during 2018.

This latest accolade for Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa comes just four months after the hotel achieved its 4 Star AA Status.

Meeting a strict inspection covering all aspects of the spa journey, the spa scored top marks in all areas, in particular highlighting the food quality, spa facilities and customer service.

The inspector noted that they loved the impressive gardens, the garden theme and the Lola’s Apothecary treatments, stating: “This hidden gem of a spa embraces nature at every turn, making it a supremely soothing place to escape to.  Treatments are unique and professionally delivered, the facilities are top-notch, customer service is great and the gardens are simply stunning.”

Spa Manager, Jemma Whitney said: “I am delighted that the Garden Secret Spa has been awarded the 5 Bubble status.

I think I speak for everyone at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa when I say we are so proud to receive such recognition.  To be the first Derbyshire Spa with 5 Bubbles just makes the hard work the whole team have put in even more rewarding.

I am thrilled that the spa spy loved their Lola’s Apothecary treatment, we are the only spa in the UK to have treatments incorporating this brand and we feel honoured to be associated with such a beautiful product”.

The Garden Secret Spa features a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

Ring Wood Hall Garden Secret Spa

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

Luxury accommodation opens in Chesterfield town centre

The owners of award-winning Stephensons Tea and Coffee House have expanded their portfolio to include three brand-new, luxury bed and breakfast suites.

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast celebrated its official opening on Tuesday 3rd July with the cutting of a ribbon by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Stuart Brittain and a networking event with Chesterfield Champions.

Luxury Accommodation opens in Chesterfield

Situated in the centre of Chesterfield, the accommodation offers high quality, large rooms, with one boasting amazing views of the Crooked Spire.

Breakfast is served at the newly-refurbished Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which is on the first floor of the same building (as well as offering room service as required).

Owners, Claire and Sam Wood (a Mum and son team) are excited for their new business venture. Claire said:-

“We are delighted to have opened our luxury, town-centre accommodation and are looking forward to welcoming guests.

“It’s great to be able to build on the success of Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which has won Café of the Year twice in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and now enjoys brand new premises just a floor below the original café.

“Whether visiting Chesterfield for business or pleasure, exploring the Peak District or visiting one of our many local attractions, Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is perfect for your stay.”

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is located at 11 Stephenson’s Place with bookings available both online or by telephone.

Stephenson Bed and Breakfast

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

Nominate now in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

The town’s thriving food and drink sector will once again be celebrated by awards organiser, Destination Chesterfield. It is now urging people to nominate their favourite restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and tearooms across 10 categories.

And it’s not just businesses you can nominate in the 2018 awards. Apprentices and apprenticeships are also being recognised this year with the introduction of two brand new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Nominations across 10 categories can be made online until midnight on Monday 11th June 2018 at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield is now urging people to get nominating. He said: “Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. There are so many fantastic businesses and  people working within them in the town. For them to have a chance of taking home one of the prestigious awards, they have to be nominated – their future is in your hands.”

“I hope the people of Chesterfield get behind us once again and nominate to help make the 2018 Food and Drink Awards 2018 the best yet.”

Once again, The Chesterfield College Group is the headline sponsor of the prestigious awards and will also be hosting the glittering awards ceremony in its Heart Space building later this year.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “It is fantastic to be able to support this annual celebration of the best of our local food and drink industry once again this year. The event highlights local talent in the industry at the same time as giving our catering and hospitality students some amazing opportunities to showcase their talent. I look forward to welcoming the shortlisted nominees to Chesterfield College in October.”

Nominations can be made across 10 categories in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.

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

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