Destination Chesterfield

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.

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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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Great2Work launches initiative giving businesses the chance to trial co-working space for free

Chesterfield’s Great2Work has unveiled the launch of a new ‘golden ticket’ scheme, giving local businesses and start-ups the chance to try out their innovative co-working space.

The team at Great2Work are giving out a Golden Ticket to 10 individuals, which is a free Day Pass to use the co-working space in Chesterfield. Once that person has used it, they then pass it on to someone who they know that can then use the free Day Pass.

Based at Hayfield House on Devonshire Street, the vibrant community at Great2Work enjoys access to a wide range of amenities, support services, meeting rooms, networking and social events as part of their flexible membership plans.

Ideal for local small businesses and entrepreneurs, the professional and friendly environment and services help people connect, collaborate and work productively.

Lynne Pope, Social Media and Content Specialist at Great2Work commented: “Our ethos at Great2 is to nurture small businesses – to help them grow by providing office and meeting space alongside business support services. This Golden Ticket promotion raises awareness of who we are and how we can help by encouraging local businesses to come into our coworking office and to meet our talented team.

“Introducing more businesses to our community and to coworking will undoubtedly lead to opportunities that otherwise may not have happened – we know small businesses often grow through building their networks and relationships.

“Plus, it’s always nice to get a freebie – especially from a friend or someone you know and trust. We’re asking people to pass on the tickets once they’ve used them to people in their networks that they think will benefit from a day at Great2Work”.

Great2Work  supports 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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Regeneration Award shortlist announced for Love Chesterfield Awards 2022

Construction projects across Chesterfield are paving the way for the regeneration of the borough, but only one will be named the winner of the Regeneration Award at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Badger Croft, Belvedere House and One Waterside Place have all been selected as finalists for the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Accountants – for their innovative developments.

Badger Croft is described as the ‘largest council housing development in a generation’ in Chesterfield. The £4.1m development has seen 21 brand-new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green.

The development is providing families with modern homes that have been designed for a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Gary Holmes, Contracts Manager at Henry Boot Construction commented: “We are delighted that Badger Croft has been shortlisted for the Regeneration Award. We have a long-standing affinity with Chesterfield; we’re based just up the road in Dronfield, and a lot of our people were born or live in Chesterfield.

“With Badger Croft, we have increased the supply of affordable homes available and transformed a former brownfield site, enabling 21 local families to move into their new homes. We have also worked hard to give back to the wider community by working closely with Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to enhance landscaping works and boost biodiversity.”

Belvedere House Care Home, built by Crown Care Group and located on St Augustine’s Rd, provides care services to its residents and luxurious living accommodation. With 64 bedrooms and a range of facilities for residents to enjoy, including a cinema, tearoom, bar and brasserie, garden room, hair salon and extensive landscaped gardens.

The care home opened its doors earlier this year and has generated up to 50 jobs within the local area.

Shiva Sheikholeslami, Care Home Manager at Belvedere House commented on being part of the final three for the Regeneration Award: “This selection reaffirms that our brand-new care home has positively impacted the Chesterfield community. This means a lot to us; it’s humbling and reassuring.

“We feel positive and assured to witness businesses flourish, areas develop, and new life spread throughout the region. Through regeneration, Belvedere House looks forward to sustainable development and prosperity – we are excited and lucky to be able to experience this growth.”

One Waterside Place will be a landmark building as part of the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside development, creating jobs and modern, high-spec office space for businesses to occupy.

The office accommodation within Basin Square has been designed to a Grade A specification which incorporates BREEAM Very Good Rating, LED lighting and two passenger lifts. They will also provide cycle parking facilities on site, encouraging a greener commute to work.

Tom Swallow, Development Manager, Bolsterstone Group PLC, which is the company developing the Chesterfield Waterside scheme, commented: “It’s a really exciting time to be part of the regeneration projects within Chesterfield.

“I’m delighted that One Waterside Place is shortlisted for the Regeneration Award; this is a great news ahead of the building welcoming tenants later this year.”

The requirements for the award include either a single business or a collective of businesses that have supported or delivered high quality spaces through regeneration, refurbishment, redevelopment, or improvements to the built environment within a 6-mile radius of Chesterfield town centre.

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

The collaboration of the Property and Construction Group has allowed Chesterfield to thrive in its plans to develop the town, with new housing and residential developments to Grade A office spaces becoming available to help make Chesterfield the place to invest, work, live and play.

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Regeneration Award winner will be announced alongside the winners of 15 other categories at the black-tie event being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre on 12 October.

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.

 

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Chesterfield leaders and businesses pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes and condolences have been paid by leaders and businesses in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, following the passing of HM The Queen.

The Union Flag is flying at half-mast on Chesterfield Town Hall to mark the period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow commented: “I was very saddened to hear the news about Her Majesty the Queen’s passing. Although she was 96 years of age her death has still come as a complete shock. She has led the nation for 70 years, ever present for the whole of my lifetime, and a steadfast presence throughout the country’s highs and lows.

“She was a memorable individual with her visit to Chesterfield in 1977 still remaining strong in the memory of many residents in the town. Whether a supporter of the royal family or not, few can disagree that she was dedicated to her role, and the country as a whole, throughout her reign. She will be sadly missed, and may she rest in peace.”

Councillor Tony Rogers, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “Like many others, I find the news of the Queen’s death difficult to take in because she is someone who has always remained a constant in our lives.

“Throughout her reign, the Queen has shown an immense interest in all aspects of public life and has visited every part of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and other places in the world. We well-remember her visits to Chesterfield including in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, in 1985 to open the Royal Hospital and in 2003 when she visited Chesterfield Market.

“I am sure people in Chesterfield will unite to remember all she has meant to us during her long life and during her reign as our Queen.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Since coming to the throne at the young age of 25, she has shown an immense dedication to her role as our Queen as well as being a wife and mother and later a much-loved grandmother and great grandmother. Our thoughts go to the Royal Family at this sad time.”

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “The Queen always played a full part in public life and it is right and proper that we mark her passing. The flag at the Town Hall is flying at half-mast and we will also be opening books of condolence for people to express their sadness at her loss.

“We have lost a public figure whose experience is unparalleled, and I hope people will come together to celebrate her life as well as mourn her death.”

Further information about local arrangements – including Books of Condolence and flower laying – will be shared by Chesterfield Borough Council as soon as possible.

People can also sign the Royal Book of Condolence at www.royal.uk

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing today.

“The Queen has been the epitome of stability and patriotism throughout her seven decades of unwavering public service, an icon who has symbolised British patriotism across the world.

“As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, she was a true friend to the business community and as the figurehead of the Commonwealth, she was the tie between nations that have become important trading partners.

“It is with great sorrow that we must now come to terms with a Great Britain without our Queen, but she has already demonstrated to us on so many occasions the strength we will need to move forward.”

Chesterfield businesses have also been paying their respects to HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family:


 

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Chesterfield public relations business appointed to help recruit more than 60,000 new security officers

A Chesterfield PR business has been appointed by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to help recruit 62,000 new security officers and change the outdated perception of the industry.

The trade body for the professional security industry in the UK will be working with Roaring Mouse Public Relations, one of the businesses which recently moved into brand-new office space at Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. 

The BSIA has started consulting with its members, which provide over 70 percent of private security services in the UK, on plans to launch the industry’s biggest-ever recruitment drive. Feedback indicates that the sector must increase in the size of the professional security officer population by 70 percent to meet growing demand for services in the next 12 months.

Roaring Mouse will work with the BSIA and its members on an integrated PR campaign to reach purpose-driven people including former police officers and members of the armed forces with positive messages about opportunities in the professional private security sector.

Roaring Mouse’s account team will be led by Stephanie Dobson and report to Andrew Cooper, the BSIA’s Head of Marketing and Communications.

Stephanie Dobson, Account Director at Roaring Mouse Public Relations, comments: “There is a mismatch between perception and reality when it comes to how people see the security industry. This is a professional, diverse, tech-savvy sector open to anyone who genuinely cares about making the world safer and more secure. Our campaign will appeal to that sense of purpose and make it clear that security is a smart career choice where people can progress and be the very best versions of themselves.”

Andrew Cooper comments: “Security is more than just a high-vis vest. It involves teams of highly-trained, purpose-driven professionals playing a fundamental role keeping the UK safe and secure. Roaring Mouse has proven campaigning expertise and a clear vision for how we could reach and influence the kind of people that would thrive in our industry.”

Find out more about the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/

Roaring Mouse Public Relations supports 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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