Destination Chesterfield

Property & Construction group praises ongoing collaboration across Chesterfield

Members of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group have praised the ongoing collaboration between private and public sector organisations across the town, which is helping to drive forward several landmark regeneration schemes in the area.

The Chesterfield Investment Summit was delivered to packed room at the Casa Hotel on 28th September 2022. At the summit, the town’s property and construction sector and a handful Chesterfield Champions were invited to a lunch event, which enabled further networking and an opportunity to ask questions to Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, Tricia Gilby and Chief Executive, Huw Bowen.

After the event, Cllr Tricia Gilby commented: “Chesterfield is very resilient and has consistently come out of national crises stronger than it went into them. In the last recession we established Destination Chesterfield, and this has reaped rewards. We also resolved as a council and with all our partners, to come out of the pandemic fighting and as a result a number of developments came out of the ground, including One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“Chesterfield Brough Council and our partners will now work together with inward investors to ensure the next five years are as good as, if not better, than the last five years.”

Read the full round-up of the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/10/new-investment-sites-set-to-open-up-across-chesterfield/

The event left attendees impressed with the range of potential investment opportunities opening up across the town, along with optimism for the continuation of strong public/private partnership working across the sector to grow the town’s economy.

Jim Lomas, Director at DLP Planning Ltd:

“It was so pleasing to see such a large turnout for the Investment Summit. There is clearly a great deal of investor interest and enthusiasm from both within and outside the local area. Given our previous and current experience of assisting with the planning process, there is a willingness by the Council to help with business development, housing delivery and infrastructure enhancements, all of which will lead to longer term prosperity and hopefully a greener and more sustainable environment.

“Housing developers in particular are currently delivering the mix and range of property types which are meeting demand and addressing needs. It is clear that many adjoining Local Authority areas outside of Chesterfield are failing to deliver their housing needs and consequently the town is meeting not only its own local needs, but also attracting those from the wider area. The positive consequences for Chesterfield are significant, leading to greater spending power in the local economy, enhanced service provision, regeneration of urban areas and creating a vibrant community, something which can only be welcomed.”

Sarah Wills, Associate Director at Nineteen47 Ltd:

“It was great to be in the room for these discussions. I Really enjoyed hearing about priority projects and collaboration across sectors. It was lovely to hear how integral the Council see the private sector in terms of profile and delivery in the Chesterfield Borough, and we are proud to be a continued part of this conversation.”

Kriston Harvey, Director at Rodgers Leask:

“I think one of the biggest highlights would have to be the fact that following on from previous summits, where it has been great to hear about pipeline projects, we are now able to see these projects coming out of the ground and in some cases complete! Both the Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are fantastic examples of this and can hopefully be part of the catalyst to drive further regeneration and development.

“Having quality office space locally is clearly a benefit to the town also. This will help to retain businesses within Chesterfield and strengthen the local economy. It was also really good to hear that both the University of Derby and Chesterfield College have big plans – investing in the future generation is critical and it is great to see that there will be even more opportunities for people to stay in Chesterfield and develop new skills.”

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio:

“I always enjoy attending the Chesterfield Investment summit. It was great to see a full house of delegates in attendance, reflective of peoples’ interest in the future of the town. A range of engaging speakers provided a concise summary of all the present and future developments in the pipeline including good conversation around the recently completed office developments at the Waterside and Northern Gateway schemes.  Looking ahead, it appears a number of regeneration projects as part of the Staveley Masterplan are taking shape, adding the plethora of opportunity for local business like ourselves.”

Find out more about ongoing development taking place in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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Independent businesses dominate at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

First-time finalists and brand new independent high street businesses have dominated the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Of the 15 award categories,10 of the winners were first-time finalists and five of the winning businesses have only opened in the past two years.

A total of 34 businesses, individuals and developments were shortlisted across the 15 categories in the annual awards, but it was Master Debonair, Sicily Restaurant and Great2Grow – part of Great2, that took the headline awards this year – Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year respectively.

All three businesses were established in Chesterfield less than 30 months ago.

Last year Sicily Restaurant scooped the title of Best New Hospitality Business with owner Giuseppe Barone stealing the show when he proposed on stage to his partner Monica Sardisco.

Founded in 2019, Sicily Restaurant, which is based on Sheffield Road, is rated as the number one restaurant in Chesterfield on TripAdvisor. Commenting on this year’s award win co-owner ­­Monica Sardisco said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards, and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”

Winner of the Retailer of the Year Award, menswear store Master Debonair opened its Chatsworth Road branch in 2019. Although the third store for the company, it is the first outside the North East where it also has stores in Sunderland and East Boldon.

Delighted to win the award Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”

Brand new business Great2Grow – part of the Great2 Group, a provider of co-working space and business support services, secured this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year title. The award recognises the achievement, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

In addition to the prestigious title, Great2Grow also received 10 hours free mentoring with the award’s sponsor, Banner Jones Solicitors. Great2Grow will receive a year of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.

Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow, said­­: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”

EastEnders icon and household name Shaun Williamson hosted the sell-out black-tie event at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

Speaking at the awards Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said:

“The finalists and winners of this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards are testament that our hard work is paying off. The awards were a true celebration of independent businesses.

“Since 2013, Destination Chesterfield has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of businesses in our town. Between April 2021 and May 2022, more than 35 independent businesses invested in the town centre. Their confidence in Chesterfield, together with ongoing investment, is helping to ensure that we have a town centre that meets the needs of a new generation of shopper and visitor. It is wonderful to see so many small businesses thriving in Chesterfield.”

More than 250 people attended the celebration which was organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.

Winners of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards categories include:

Best New High Street Business – Sponsored by SMH Group

MD Hair

Michelle Dalman, owner, MD Hair: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. I am so proud of my team and myself. The team have been key to winning the award. They make sure everyone has an amazing experience when they come into the salon.”

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Peak Pharmacy

Il Mondo Travel

Jo Bunting, owner of Il Mondo Travel, said: “It’s been a tough few years for us and the travel industry, so this is a great award for us to win.”

Independent High Street Business

Blanc and Blanc Occasions

Anne-Marie White, owner, Blanc and Blanc Occasions, said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be voted for by our customers for the Independent High Street Business award. Being an independent means we can source the best brands from around the world and offer a very personal service.”

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

Master Debonair

Simon Whittaker, CEO, Master Debonair, said: “We’re always looking for new locations that have other independents around and Chesterfield fitted the bill for us when we decided to invest here. There were some fantastic independent businesses shortlisted in our category so we’re very humbled to win.”

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, who presented the award said: “The market is the beating heart of our town. Ibbotson’s is a second-generation market trader, so it is wonderful they have won this award for the second year running. There are so many good traders on the market so to win this award is testament to Nick Ibbotson and his team for their customer service.”

Best New Hospitality Business

Host Coffee

Christian O’Connell, owner, Host Coffee said: “We had a vision for the business in Clay Cross when we established it, so to pull it off and win this award is a great feeling. The team, our customer service and consistency of product brings people back to us. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing.”

Restaurant of the Year – Sponsored by Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management

Sicily Restaurant

Monica Sardisco, owner, Sicily Restaurant, said: “We’re a family business and we try to do the best we can, always working hard. Last year we won Best New Hospitality Business at the Love Chesterfield Awards and this award proves that we have improved further. We are very happy to win the award.”

Café of the Year

Koo

Gemma Taylor-Murdoch, owner, Koo, said: “I feel on top of the world to win Café of the Year. The team put blood, sweat and tears into delivering the best service to our customers and making sure they all have a lovely experience with us.”

Pub/Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Shorts Accountants

Junction Bar

Michael Walker, owner, Junction Bar, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to win the award. We’ve been in Chesterfield for six years and we’ve absolutely smashed it – this award proves it. We have an amazing team and they keep customers coming back.”

Accessibility Award – Sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Café at Northern Tea Merchants

Kim Lamin, Owner, The Café at Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I’m really proud to win the award. We are very keen to make the café as accessible as possible to all our customers to ensure they have the best experience and a warm welcome when they visit us.”

Food Producer of the Year – Sponsored by MSE Hiller

Resting Devil Brewery

Josh Clarke, owner and brewer, Resting Devil Brewery, said: “To win the award feels fantastic as we’ve only been going seven months. Quality and consistency are at the heart of everything we do. We now want to slowly expand and get our beer into shops and stores.”

Regeneration Award – Sponsored by BHP Accountants

Badger Croft (Led by Henry Boot Construction)

Graham Johnson, Site Manager, Badger Croft, said: “Henry Boot does a lot of projects around the borough, but Badger Croft has been something special. We have given people new sustainable and energy efficient homes to live in for many years to come.”

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by DBC Training

Will Brooks (Superior Wellness)

Will Brooks, Apprentice at Superior Wellness, said: “I’m very proud to win the award. One of the things that made me choose an apprenticeship was the experience and freedom you get compared to university. It’s the best choice I made.”

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing, Superior Wellness, added: “Will really impressed us when he covered the role of two marketing executives who left the company. Senior managers and colleagues all noticed how he stepped up to the role and took it in his stride. Because of Will’s success in the business, we’ve recruited two further apprentices. It’s a great way for young people to start their career.”

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Great2Grow – part of Great 2 Group

Andy Ball, founder of Great2Grow said: “We’re excited, surprised and shocked to win such a great accolade; it rubber stamps what we’re doing. As a growth consultancy it shows we’re leading the charge with what we do. The next stage is to open an additional office in another great location in the East Midlands.”

Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Northern Tea Merchants

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to win the award. We have put so much effort into our journey to becoming sustainable, so to be recognised for it is wonderful. Since committing to becoming more sustainable we have already offset over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide created just from the cultivation of the tea, coffee and cocoa that we sell. This award is the first step of our ongoing sustainability journey.”

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Business Wise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and SMH Group.

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

Mitchells Accountants partners with Chesterfield College to provide apprenticeship opportunities

A Chesterfield Accountancy and business advice firm has grown its team by taking on several apprentices, having worked with Chesterfield College to provide employment opportunities for local people.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers are one of Chesterfield’s longest standing firms and has been at the heart of its business community for 150 years, as well as a long serving member of Chesterfield Champions.

Mitchells have also long been an Apprenticeship Ambassador, helping to promote Chesterfield as an Apprentice Town and raising awareness of apprenticeships and their benefits to strengthen the workforce of the local economy.

Mitchells recognises that university isn’t the only option available to those leaving school, which is why the firm offers apprenticeships for young people who wish to undertake the AAT qualification – the internationally recognised qualification based on real-world accounting knowledge.

Examples of recent success stories for Mitchells apprentices include the following:

  • Mitchells’ apprentice, Dominic Day has successfully finished his ICAEW exams and associated work this year to become a qualified member of the Institute.
  • Two ICAEW apprentices, Sophia Ferretto and Brandon Wazirali, have passed advanced level exams and are in the final stages of also becoming fully qualified Institute members.
  • Julie Clayton has progressed to the final exam in her ACCA apprenticeship and received glowing praise from their training provider for their dedication to both the training and the apprenticeship requirements.
  • Apprentices, Sophia Ferretto and Olivia Powell were both put forward by Mitchells for recognition in the Apprentice of the Year category at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards. The applications showed how well thought of these individuals, along with their fellow apprentices, are by the firm and also the care taken to ensure they continue to develop and flourish.

From the moment their training begins, apprentices are assigned a mentor who monitors and supports their professional and personal development.  As well as becoming a full-time employee at Mitchells, with a salary and other associated benefits, they pay for their AAT apprentices to attend Chesterfield College on a day release basis to study.

Further industry specific qualifications are completed by apprentices including ATT, ACCA, ICAEW and CIOT on a similar basis using internationally recognised training providers.

Having used other training providers in the past, they now only use Chesterfield College for their AAT qualifications because the college is employer led and prepares students for their careers and helps develop ambitious students prepare for work and life.

Mitchells currently employs 5 AAT apprentices who all study at Chesterfield College. Associate Partner, Laura Pain said: “We strongly believe in attracting candidates leaving college and sixth form to help them get started at the ground level.” She went onto highlight two apprentices in the Business Services Team, which she heads up.

“Olivia Powell joined us at just 17 years old and has thrived over the past three years to the point where she is confident and comfortable dealing with the rest of the team, her clients and HMRC. Jessica Wright first joined Mitchells as a university placement student and returned to learn more. Jess achieved a Distinction at Level 2 AAT with an overall qualification percentage score of 96%.”

Olivia Powell and fellow AAT apprentices, Jasmine Pollard and Chloe Jones commented on why they chose the apprenticeship route: “Apprenticeships are a great way of gaining your qualifications whilst working along-side meaning you can put theory into practise and practise into theory. It is also means no commitment of university and allows you to get a head start into the world of work as you can begin your career as young as 16.”

They also commented: “Chesterfield College is a training provider that allows you to work with other apprentices who are working towards the same qualifications as yourself. This not only supports us but allows us to have an insight into all the aspects of accounting, whether this is in industry or practise as you are working with people from a diverse range of job roles. Chesterfield College is extremely local to Mitchells and you are given a day release each week in order to attend the lessons. The lessons are in person allowing you to engage more and ask for any help or resources if needed. Printers and laptops are also available to use on campus which can be used after teaching hours. College tutors are also accessible via email and on teams whenever you need them showing they are very willing to contribute towards your success during AAT.”

Henry Taylor-Toone, Vice Principal Finance and Corporate Services at Chesterfield College said the following: “We’re very proud that Mitchells, a very well known and established Chesterfield business, has chosen Chesterfield College as their training provider. Chesterfield College is employer focused and our partnership with Mitchells demonstrates exactly what we can provide to local businesses – top quality education, delivered locally, helping apprentices, students and adults succeed in their chosen field. Apprentices from Mitchells are also a delight to teach which is always a bonus!”

David Waining, the firms Qualified Person Responsible for Training (QPRT) said “We have been very proud to work with all our apprentices. The joint provision between the training providers and ourselves provides the trainees with valuable experience of the practical work to apply the technical knowledge they have picked up in the classroom. We have had numerous success stories at all levels of the apprenticeship scheme and have looked to expand the number of apprenticeships we are offering across the firm because of these successes. We see this as a vital resource to grow our workforce.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and Chesterfield College support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New investment sites set to open up across Chesterfield

Chesterfield is ready to do business and willing to make sound investments to ensure the local economy achieves its growth ambitions. That was the message at the 2022 Chesterfield Investment Summit (28 September).

Speaking at the annual summit organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our record of investment and delivery, with a whole range of partners, shows that the council is willing to invest and provide support to bring projects forward that will help the borough grow and deliver jobs and opportunities to the people that live here.”

A number of new development sites are now set to be opened up for future commercial, industrial, office and residential investment, adding to the current £2billion growth programme already underway across Chesterfield town centre and the borough.

Hartington Industrial Park, a new 75,000 sqm industrial and warehouse development located on the site of the former Coalite Plant in Staveley, aims to build on the success of Markham Vale. Job numbers created by businesses who are based at Markham Vale are now beyond that of when the site operated as a colliery.

Huw added: “Markham Vale has been a tremendous success with demand for commercial space outstripping supply. Chesterfield’s industrial past has opened up a number of investment sites which have the potential to be as successful as Markham Vale in terms of job opportunities and growth in key areas of the borough.”

Alongside industrial sites, Chesterfield Borough Council has also made significant investment in town centre office accommodation, meeting the post pandemic demand for high quality, flexible workspace.

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, which opened in July earlier this year, already boasts more than 50% occupancy with 17 of the 32 offices now tenanted. Later this year, Chesterfield will gain Grade A, large footplate offices following the completion of One Waterside Place as part of the £320 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme. Already tenants have been secured for a number of the floors in the six-storey office block located next to the train station.

Office interiors expert Amy Revell, Co-Founder and Director of We are FM, who spoke at the summit said: “Chesterfield is an exciting place to be right now. Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place have given us Grade ‘A’ office space for people to work in. “These workspaces are comparable to those in bigger cities like Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester which deliver the connectivity for hybrid working for a better work/life balance.”

In addition to One Waterside Place, residential and leisure development sites are also being brought forward in the Chesterfield Waterside with the scheme developers, Bolsterstone Group, in talks with hotel and carpark operators as well as investors in a number of Build to Rent apartments.

Confident that investment in the borough will continue at pace, Councillor Tricia Gilby Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “While the current financial climate is a concern, Chesterfield is very resilient and has consistently come out of national crises stronger than it went into them. In the last recession we established Destination Chesterfield, and this has reaped rewards. We also resolved as a council and with all our partners, to come out of the pandemic fighting and as a result a number of developments came out of the ground, including One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“Chesterfield Brough Council and our partners will now work together with inward investors to ensure the next five years are as good as, if not better, than the last five years.”

Work has already begun on the town’s ambitious HS2 Station Masterplan which saw the recent demolition of the Chesterfield Hotel, opening up a further development site for investment.

Councillor Gilby added: “Chesterfield’s geographical location and connectivity are key to attracting investment and new residents. Chesterfield is perfectly positioned making major cities very accessible for post Covid working trends, which combine home and office working and we now have a market-leading portfolio of office space to capitalise on this.”

The 2022 Chesterfield Investment Summit was supported by the European Regional Development Fund. The annual free-to-attend event was held at Casa Hotel. It showcased investment activity in the town and was attended by more than 200 people.

To learn more about the investment opportunities in Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The Chesterfield Investment Summit 2022 also saw the launch of the brand-new Invest in Chesterfield Map, which can be viewed online. The map showcases the wide range of investment opportunities available across our town.

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

Owner of Chesterfield Doggy Day Care business wins prestigious regional award

The owner of Chesterfield’s Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care is celebrating, after winning a coveted accolade at the East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

Dawn Brown walked away with the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the gala dinner, held at Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium in partnership with Futures Housing Group.

Speaking on the award win, Dawn commented: “I get asked what it’s like to be a woman in business. I describe it as a roller coaster ride with highs and lows, twists and turns and often times when you go so fast you just want to get off but we don’t! We just carry on with pure grit and determination to succeed.”

“People see business owners like swans swanning about doing as they please, but what they don’t see are our  legs going like the clappers underneath to hold it all together, especially women in business. We hold down a family, I have 5 kids and a fiancée so you could say 6 kids!

“At Rose Cottage we look after 50 dogs a day, with a team of 7 people working with me. So this award means so much more to me personally because it’s recognition for all that hard work and dedication that people do not necessarily see.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award from the Chamber and I’m grateful for being a woman in business that has been recognised for all her hard work.”

Enterprising Women Co-Chair, Eileen Perry MBE DL commented: “Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of this year’s Enterprising Women Awards. The gala dinner is always the biggest date in the calendar for the network, which Jean and I look forward to attending every year – and the breadth of female talent across the East Midlands business community just gets stronger.”

Co-Chair Jean Mountain said: “When I co-founded Enterprising Women 25 years ago, the business landscape was very male-dominated. We wanted to change that and create a space for women to network with each other, learn from one another’s experience and gain skills to use in their work, and sometimes personal lives.

“Recognising the achievements of women in business was an important part of that, to give them the confidence to succeed further and thrive in their careers.

“I’m so proud of how far the network has come, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.”

ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson returned to host the black-tie event, which was packed with entertainment provided by singer-songwriter Esmee Esho, comedian Patrick Monahan and Leicester band The Jamlocks.

Enterprising Women Awards 2022 winners

Business Woman of the Year – Sponsored by Futures Housing Group

Emily Smith – Michael Smith Switchgear

Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Midlands Engine Investment Fund

Dawn Brown – Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

Social Commitment Award – Sponsored by She Inspires Global 

Gift Wellness

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Unique Window Systems 

Fraser Stretton Property Group

Female Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Smallman & Son

Karen Miles – trentbarton

Team of the Year – Sponsored by PPL PRS

TwentyTwenty – Love4Life

Outstanding Contribution to Work in STEM – Sponsored by Pick Everard

De Montfort University

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by EMA Training

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Amanda Daly – The Turnaround CEO

Jessica Barnett – Timms Solicitors

Diversity Champion – Sponsored by Breedon Consulting

Stephen Gould – Everards Brewery

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Paradigm Wills and Sales Solutions

Rosemary Conley CBE DL

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“When it comes to investment opportunities, the town has everything covered”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield has given his views on regeneration and investment across the town, following the successful Chesterfield Investment Summit 2022.

The content of the ‘Invest In Chesterfield’ event never fails to impress and this year was no exception. Once again, to a packed room, we heard how Chesterfield continues to punch above its weight.

This is a much-used term when it comes to describing our town, but it is accurate. The level of regeneration and new developments happening in Chesterfield right now surpasses most towns and even some cities.

More than £1billion is being invested in projects across Chesterfield, from social and private residential developments and office accommodation to industrial and leisure developments and retail. When it comes to investment opportunities, the town has everything covered, making it in attractive proposition.

However, there is no denying that tough times are upon us. The UK-wide energy crisis and rise in the cost of living has severely impacted families and businesses.

There is talk of recession but let’s not forget, it was during the last recession that the successful Destination Chesterfield campaign was launched in 2010 to market the borough and attract investment, and this has proved very successful.

As the former leader of Chesterfield Borough Council John Burrows said in 2012: “We could have chosen to bunker down and ride out the recession, but we didn’t. We chose to be proactive and forge ahead with our marketing plans.”

Destination Chesterfield has been instrumental in putting the town on the national and international investment map, ensuring that Chesterfield emerged from the recession stronger, with new employers, businesses and projects.

This forward-thinking approach to creating jobs, homes and opportunity for the people who live in Chesterfield very much remains at the heart of council policy today.

Consider more recent history. During the pandemic the Council invested in office accommodation at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place, placing the town in an excellent position to benefit from the demand for high quality, modern workspace post Covid.

In addition to numerous private residential developments, during the pandemic work also got underway on ‘the biggest council housing development in the Chesterfield borough since the 1980s.’ The 21 brand new properties at Badger Croft in Loundsley Green represent a fine example of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable and accessible homes across the town.

When you consider that nearly 90% of local authorities failed to complete a single new-build council home by Q3 of 2021, this is a remarkable feat.

We have seen significant opportunities created by regeneration projects in and around the town centre and at Markham Vale. But there is more to come, a lot more.

Investment in Staveley is set to redevelop and regenerate former industrial areas, bringing with it new homes, jobs, leisure amenities and opportunity.

Recession or no recession, Chesterfield is a borough that won’t stand still. Watch this space.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield works begin on Packers Row

Ambitious plans to revitalise Chesterfield town centre are being brought to life, with the first phase of the multi-million pound scheme now underway at Packers Row.

New paving, seating and street furniture – plus overhead festoon lighting to add character – are among the improvements which are being carried out as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project.

Packers Row is one of several areas across the town centre to be revamped as part of the scheme. The changes will mirror the look and feel of nearby Elder Way which underwent a transformation last year – creating an attractive and welcoming route from the Northern Gateway into the town centre.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is fantastic to see work begin in our town centre and I hope it will demonstrate our ambitions for the wider Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. We are working with our contractor to minimise disruption for businesses with the priority being customer access throughout the project.”

The council’s contractor will be working overnight during the first phase of the project, to minimise disruption to businesses and ensure access can be maintained throughout the day.

Funding for the works on Packers Row has been provided by Chesterfield Borough Council and its partners to kickstart revitalisation of the town centre and match funding provided by the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

The revitalisation of Packers Row will set the standard for future work around the town centre.

The council is currently working on detailed designs for the rest of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, which includes improvements to the Market Place, New Square, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square and Burlington Street.

Together with the major refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall on Corporation Street (which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum) the project is being brought forward thanks to almost £20m which the council secured from the Government’s levelling up fund.

Find out more about the proposals for the town centre, and sign up to receive the latest news by email, by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

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Growth for Chesterfield professional service businesses

Four Chesterfield businesses operating in the legal, financial and IT sectors have recently announced growth, with new team members and internal promotions bolstering their ranks.

BRM Solicitors recently announces Director Sanjeev Batra as the new Head of Real Estate at Chesterfield.

Sanjeev specialises in acquisitions, sales and leasebacks, disposals, security transactions and landlord and tenant issues, joined BRM in 2012 and is based in the BRM Chesterfield office.

He commented: “At BRM we are continuing to work to develop a vibrant and dynamic property department, supporting new clients and working with the firm’s current clients to support their business.”

Elsewhere, Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management added Emily Steeples to the team as a Financial Services Administrator.

Donna Robertson, Independent Financial Adviser at the company said: “Emily is passionate about delivering an exceptional customer service experience. Having spent eight years in customer/client facing roles she finds it rewarding to be supporting clients along their personal journey.

“Emily’s commitment to building rapport, making sure each client feels comfortable and understood which aligns with, and complements, the Rosewood value of having the client at the heart of everything they do.

“Joining the team as a Financial Services Administrator, Emily brings her dynamic and bubbly personality along with an exciting, fresh perspective on social media and community support campaigns.”

Banner Jones Solicitors has also announced a major promotion, with Andrew Fielder being annoucned as the company’s new Head of Business Legal Services.

The announcement follows news that industry stalwart Stephen Gordon retired at the end of August, following an impressive and influential 35-year legal career.

Commenting on his new role Andrew said: “I have large shoes to fill in my new role as Head of Business Legal Services but having worked alongside Stephen for so many years I am confident that I have benefited hugely from his experience, and that I can further build on that legacy and look towards the growth of the Banner Jones commercial offering across each of our offices.”

Finally, five new appointments have been made at Chesterfield’s Central Technology, with Project Engineer Linford Njie , Project Manager Alicia Wright, Account Manager Alex Greveson, Technical Support Specialist Katie Cope and Cloud Internal Account Manager Callium Rigley all joining the team.

Alex Greveson said: “I have joined CT as an Account Manager to work and build relationships with our valued customers. Prior to CT, I have multiple years previous experience in Account / Project Management in the IT and Utilities sector.”

Katie Cope commented: “My current job role at CT is providing IT support to our customers via the CT helpdesk. I have previous experience within the IT sector supporting multiple sites of a regional law firm.”

BRM Solicitors, Rosewood Wealth Management, Banner Jones Solicitors and Central Technology support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Eastenders icon set to host the sell-out 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

Former Eastenders actor and household name Shaun Williamson will host the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Held on Wednesday 12 October at the Winding Wheel Theatre, the popular awards return to the town for the second year.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Shaun will announce the winners of 15 categories at the black-tie awards ceremony.

Best known and loved for his Eastenders character Barry Evans, Shaun was in the show for 10 years from 1994 to 2004. Since leaving the soap, he has appeared regularly on stage and TV in a number of hit shows and productions, including Extras and Plebs. He is also a self-proclaimed quizzer, having competed on The Celebrity Chase and written a quizzing memoir A Matter Of Facts.

Looking forward to hosting the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards, Shaun Williamson commented: “I’m really excited to be a part of the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. Never having been to the town before, I am looking forward to learning a lot about it and the people who live and work here. You never know when it may come up in a quiz!”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Shaun to Chesterfield to host the second sell-out Love Chesterfield Awards. He’s a much-loved and well-known personality with so many people. He will certainly help us make it a night to remember.”

Peter Currey, Managing Director at Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management added: “The awards are going to be fantastic, and I’m delighted Entire FM is part of the celebration for another year.”

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Business Wise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire),  Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and SMH Group.

For all the information on the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/

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Sustainability Summit encourages firms to embed net zero targets in business plans

Moving from a position where the net zero agenda is an aspiration to it being embedded in every strand of a business will be crucial to taking meaningful strides forward in green growth.

This was the consensus among speakers at East Midlands Chamber’s Sustainability Summit, which also heard how the cost-of-doing-business crisis offers an opportunity to make environmentally-friendly efficiencies that reduce overheads for organisations.

The event, held at headline partner the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre, featured keynote speakers from universities, businesses, banking, not-for-profits and Government.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Despite firms facing lots of external challenges and a crisis in the cost of doing business, they remain highly committed to the net zero agenda by making efficiencies in their operations and buildings to reduce not only their carbon emissions, but costs too.

“So as we search for solutions to the mountain of problems, it’s vital we don’t take our eye off the ball in supporting businesses to adopt green growth strategies.
“It’s clear we still have much work to do in this respect, with many companies telling us there must be a more joined-up approach between organisations – whether it’s Government agencies, universities, local authorities and business representation networks like the Chamber – and a more consistent message across these bodies.”

Unique research into Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2022 carried out by the Chamber and University of Derby found the proportion of the region’s firms that sell green goods and services has almost trebled to 45% over the seven years to 2022, while the proportion considering green growth as part of their business strategies has more than doubled to 21.5% in the past four years.

However, 35% of firms still aren’t engaged with green growth – with reasons cited including gaps in information, skills and access to finance.

Chris added: “While it’s very promising to see real progress being made in the race to net zero, access to finance for green projects and skills for green jobs remain key barriers to making further inroads into greening up our economy.

“From a policy perspective, Government needs to get on with stalled environmental legislation. This will remove the uncertainty and provide businesses with the opportunity to plan for the future.

Businesses want to see our decision-makers pushing through previously proposed legislation in areas like waste management and biodiversity in order to start investing in new technologies that will drive change and there is a message to ‘get on with it’.

“The language we use when discussing the net zero needs to evolve as the landscape does – when we talk about green jobs, let’s start thinking less about the inputs of roles and more about their impact in order to broaden what is currently a very narrow definition.

“And for businesses, we want to move towards green growth being embedded in everything we do – from business plans for growth and making efficiencies, to the products we make and skills we look for. Only once it is part of mainstream thinking can we really begin to make the required progress in cutting emissions and costs.”

For more information about business support related to net zero adoption and green growth, visit the Chamber’s Sustainable East Midlands page at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/sustainability.

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Visitors encouraged to celebrate all things vintage at the Chesterfield 1940s Market

Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can shop for all things vintage and enjoy some classic entertainment as the 1940s Market returns to Chesterfield this half term.

On Thursday 27 October between 10am and 4pm, visitors can enjoy 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the flea market stall holders in period dress.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market gets more popular every year and our team have worked really hard to find some fantastic new acts and activities for this year.

“We’ve made sure there is lots to see and do for every member of the family and of course it’s also a fantastic opportunity to support our local businesses and traders.”

New for 2022 will be a Home Guard encampment, the family friendly reenactors will be based in the church yard and will be running activities throughout the day including drill lessons for children, a first aid station, and a signals station.

There is also a new activity in the Pavements Centre where you can learn about the challenges of bomb disposal during World War Two from a reenactor and have a go at defusing three different dummy ‘bombs.’

Our partners at Wessex Archaeology will be running an activity in the Pavements Centre to design and print 1940s tiles.

The Chesterfield Museum team will be taking over a shop in the Pavements Centre where they will be explaining more about rationing, allowing people to get hands on with history with their World War Two handling objects and evacuees’ suitcase.

The weekly flea market will take place in the market place with traders in 1940s costume. There will be a competition for the best dressed trader and visitors are encouraged to get into the 40s spirit by dressing in period costumes.

As well as great activities there will also be 1940s themed entertainment throughout the day.

Kalamazoo dance band, an escapologist act and a selection of 1940s singers will be performing throughout the day.

There will also be a selection of classic vehicles including a vintage fire engine.

More activities and entertainers are still being confirmed. You can find out more about the event by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/40s

The 1940’s Market is a free event that aims to bring more visitors and shoppers to the town centre to support local businesses and market traders.

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