Destination Chesterfield

Top tips for outdoor dining and drinking in Chesterfield

With the Great British Summer now in full swing, it would be rude for you not to enjoy a few evenings out with friends and family, soaking up some of that glorious sunshine.

Luckily here in Chesterfield, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying food & drink outdoors; from al fresco dining, to brilliant beer gardens and cocktails on the terrace!

So whether you’re looking for great food, beautiful scenery or just a nice coffee and cake whilst watching the world go by, our town has the perfect places for you.

To find out more about all the great activities you could be getting up to in the local area this summer, check out our Summer In Chesterfield page! And don’t forget to share the love on social media by telling us what you’ve been up to, using the hashtags #SummerInChesterfield and #LoveChesterfield!

Fox and Goose Inn

Steeped in history and set in the glorious North Derbyshire countryside, Fox & Goose Inn has everything you need for a memorable summer evening.

Enjoy great food and drink while the sun is setting over Chesterfield, with views all the way across town from the splendidly-named Pudding Pie Hill! For families, there’s also a fabulous play area to keep the youngsters entertained.

The venue even has an outdoor grill for guests to enjoy barbecues, hog roasts and more.

Find out more on the website: https://www.thefoxandgooseinn.com/

Casa Hotel

The newly renovated Barca Bar is a relaxing space built on the ethos of the Mediterranean Barcelona city. Booths adorned in teal and shaded by foliage provide guests with secluded seating to enjoy premium beers, lagers, and hand-crafted cocktails. Across the bar, marine tiles illuminated by warm lighting create a relaxed yet vibrant space. This atmosphere extends to the terrace outside, where guests can unwind surrounded by flower boxes and shelter.

Kick back and relax, by joining Casa on Fridays between 5-7pm for 2 for 1 across all of their hand-selected and expertly created cocktails.

Authentic tapas, light salads, and sandwiches are now served from 12pm every day, so you can sample a taste of Spain alongside artisan cocktails, fine wine, and fresh, whole bean coffee.

Find out more at: https://www.casahotels.co.uk/eat/

Peak Edge Hotel

The Red Lion at Peak Edge has the ultimate terrace for relaxing and taking in stunning views of the surrounding Peak District.

The outdoor area, equipped with rattan seating, heaters, and a bar with premium draught beverages and drinks, provides the perfect vantage point over Peak Edge’s lake, lakeside pagoda, and herd of highland cows. Just past the highland cattle are rolling fields and the serene expanse of the Peaks.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light bite in the Derbyshire sun, or refreshments after a day of exploring the countryside, the Red Lion’s terrace is an ideal space to sit-back and unwind.

Find out more at: https://www.peakedgehotel.co.uk/eat/red-lion/

Salute Prosecco and Pizza Pi at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Big Screen

Vicar Lane has returned this Summer with its fantastic movie nights, enabling visitors to enjoy the best films on the big screen in St. James Square!

Sit back and relax with a glass of fizz from Salute’s mobile prosecco van and a delicious pizza from the recently-opened Pizza Pi restaurant, providing the perfect evening out for everyone.

Find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/outdoor-movie-night-at-vicar-lane/

Tickled Trout, Barlow

Another great restaurant set amongst the gorgeous North Derbyshire scenery The Tickled Trout, Barlow has a small but perfectly formed terrace, ideal for alfresco dining.

The terrace holds the sun all day, perfect for soaking up some rays with a nice cold beer or refreshing gin & tonic, all the outdoor terrace benches have parasols to keep you cool and shaded when the heat gets too much!

The full menu is served 12-2:30pm  & 5-9pm Tuesday-Saturday, then on Sundays The Tickled Trout serves its popular Sunday roast & pizza menu 12-4pm.

Booking is recommended –  Call 01142 891111 for reservations or book via the website: www.tickledtroutbarlow.com

Dronfield Hall Barn

This historical community hub in Dronfield is a perfect place to stop off and enjoy a bit of coffee and cake on your travels, providing a scenic and welcoming backdrop to meet with family and friends.

Whether it is for a coffee, a scone baked fresh on the premises each morning, a light lunch or even a decadent afternoon tea, the barn have a range of great products to enjoy while sitting in the fabulous outdoor gardens.

Don’t forget to check out Dronfield Hall Barn’s special events, such as their popular Artisan and Makers Market where you can pick up some treats to take home with you too!

Find out more at: https://dronfieldhallbarn.org/coffee-shop/

Chesterfield Canal Trust

Hollingwood Hub

Those who have been for a walk or bike ride along Chesterfield Canal will know just what a gorgeous location it is! A great stop-off point is the Hollingwood Hub, where you’ll find Katey’s Coffee Shop.

Enjoy a range of fabulous homemade products and gorgeous scenery while out on your sunny stroll, including drinks, sandwiches, light meals, ice creams and a selection of cakes.

Perfect to replenish and refresh after all that exercise! Find out more at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/off-the-water/hollingwood-hub-2/

The Bulls Head Holymoorside

Enjoy a taste of luxury while soaking up the sun at this renowned pub, based in one of our area’s most picturesque villages.

You’re guarenteed to be served something special, with head chef Mark Aisthorpe recently appearing alongside some of the nation’s best cooks on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

The outdoor Summer Tapas Menu is available Wednesday 5pm – 6.30pm , Thursday to Saturday 12 noon – 6.30pm and Sunday 12 noon – 4pm.

This can be enjoyed with a range of summer cocktails, wine or champagne. The Bulls Head even have a Sommelier on hand if you would like to pair with the perfect wine.

Find out more: https://www.bullsheadholymoorside.co.uk/

Sicily Restaurant

If you’re looking for a taste of Italy, why not head to Sicily Restaurant on Sheffield Road? The restaurant features a small outdoor terrace so you can get that authentic Italian experience Al Fresco!

Enjoy your favourite pizza or pasta with a glass of wine in the sunshine and experience a warm welcome from owners Giuseppe and Monica, who provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for everyone who visits.

Find out more: https://sicilyrestaurantchesterfield.co.uk/

Empire Bar

Looking for somewhere in town to escape the hustle and bustle?

Empire bar Bar is a new addition to Chesterfield Town Centre, serving a range of beers, fresh cocktails, freshly ground barista coffee, iced coffee and more.

Vegan and vegetarian friendly Hot Chocolate is also available, with live entertainment also taking place from Wednesday through to Sunday evenings.

The bar has a comfortable upstairs area with an outdoor terrace, and is child and dog friendly until 6pm each day. The team also uses British Sigh Language to communicate with the deaf community.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/Empirebarchesterfield/

Cibo

Cibo is a relaxed bistro kitchen that provides a warm welcome and quality food. The bistro shares a private courtyard to the rear which is a fantastic sun trap, but also provides shaded areas with sun umbrellas and covered decking.

It is a peaceful area set in the town centre, perfect for chilling out with a coffee or even a cheeky glass of wine or a cold beer.

The menu offers yummy light bites to snack on such as queen olives, bruschetta, mango & chilli prawns, Parmesan & truffle oil fries to name a few. The main menu has options for vegans such as soups with bread and butter, vegan full English breakfast and gluten free options such as king prawn and chicken paella.

Look out for some of the offers available weekly too! Cibo’s Summer coolers are a popular favourite- the dragon fruit and mango syrup covered with ice is so summery with its bright pink appearance and fruity aroma.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/CiboChesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Digital High Street project equips 127 businesses for the future

More than 120 businesses in the Chesterfield borough are now up to speed with the online revolution after receiving expert digital support via an innovative scheme.

Since being launched in June last year, the Chesterfield Digital High Street project has engaged 127 small and microbusinesses reliant on bricks and mortar to transition into the digital world by building their online offering for customers and improving their social media profile.

Of this cohort, 81 businesses worked with a digital high street adviser, 56 companies developed a digital action plan and 50 firms accessed grants worth £2,200.

Some 38 new websites are now either live or in development – many of these equipped with the latest payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as modern shopping concepts like “click and collect”.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered in partnership by East Midlands Chamber and its strategic partners Purpose Media and Destination Chesterfield, the year-long project aimed to support small outfits in sectors such as retail, hospitality and leisure, which were hit hardest by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, to become more resilient.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of Chesterfield-headquartered East Midlands Chamber, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level of engagement with the Chesterfield Digital High Street project among businesses, which are now well-placed to embrace current and future digital trends.

“This will go some way to ensuring the much-loved independent businesses on our high street continue to thrive in a sustainable fashion for a long time to come.”

Among the businesses that have benefited from support is Café Nellie, a recently-opened independent coffee shop in Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Owner Tracey Wallis said she was aware the business needed a marketing strategy to quickly become visible to a wide and varied audience.

But as none of the six-strong team had much experience of using social media, the Chamber’s support came at “exactly the right time”, with digital high street advisers Steve Phillips and Alex Gardner helping to build a website and Facebook page.

“Since our Facebook page went ‘live’, we have seen a marked increase in in table bookings,” said Tracey. “Despite the recent heatwave, our sales have increased by about 30%, which our own research suggests is a direct result of our social media presence.

“Having a website is just as important in enabling non-social media users to access attractive, up-to-date information about Café Nellie. In the future, we hope to develop the site to enable our customers to purchase gift vouchers, our own brand of coffee and to make table bookings online.”

While Ibrahim Assaf was literate in using Facebook to promote his business Ibzy Salon, located in Chesterfield’s Jawbones Hill, he noticed it couldn’t be found very easily on Google – with the barbershop, tattoo studio and shisha bar’s location on Google Maps in the wrong place.

“I struggled with the process of updating Google but after experiencing frustration, I left it,” he said.

He signed up to the Chesterfield Digital High Street project and received one-to-one support from Steve, who talked him through the problems he had encountered and came up with a digital action plan.

Ibrahim, who also took up the offer of creating a website, added: “I didn’t have a Google Business Profile at the time, which meant we weren’t listed and new customers couldn’t find me. Steve helped me to set up my page and download the app, so I can easily make changes to opening times and prices.

“I have noticed an increase in new customers who have come to us by finding us on Google and through our new website. In one week last month, we had a 300% increase in visitors to the shop compared to the previous week.

“The website has given me credibility and with setting up the Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, which will help boost my visibility and attract new customers.

“With the bigger customer base, I have now recruited another two barbers so we can offer more services and shorter waiting times. We are very much looking forward to the future – with the help from my advisor Steve, we have the tools to grow the business.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The Digital High Street project has been very successful in helping many organisations that were affected by the pandemic to get online and increase their interaction with customers in a new way.

“We have been able to review current marketing and social media activities, and support businesses on any recommended actions, set up Google listings if needed and offer each organisation a one-year membership to East Midlands Chamber.

“We have received excellent feedback from those who have taken part in the project, with many increasing their online profile so they can expand their business presence.”

The Chesterfield Digital High Street project has now ended but the Chamber continues to offer support to businesses across the region via a digital high street adviser. To find out what support is available, email information@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0333 320 0333.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Apprenticeships in Chesterfield now even easier to find online

Young people looking for an apprenticeship in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been given a helping hand.

A new online search tool has been launched by Apprentice Town making it quicker and easier than ever before to search for apprenticeship vacancies.

The new search function, which is hosted on the Destination Chesterfield website, enables people to browse the wide range of Level 2 – 7 apprenticeship roles within a 15-mile radius of Chesterfield.

People can search for apprenticeship vacancies based on both subject area and Level, with hundreds of opportunities currently available in the local area.

With thousands of young people set to pick up their GCSE and A Level exam results next month; the Apprentice Town website has been praised by business and education leaders in the town.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller, Destination Chesterfield board member and an apprentice employer, commented: “The practical benefits of the Apprentice Town initiative are invaluable both to young people and businesses based in Chesterfield. I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships; they are an intrinsic part of both Chesterfield’s and MSE Hiller’s growth ambitions.”

Chesterfield College Group Principal and CEO, Julie Richards explains: “We’re proud to have supported so many generations of workforce to Chesterfield employers through apprenticeship programmes. Post-pandemic, it’s pleasing to see that the appetite for recruiting young talent into a business via earning whilst learning is still as great as ever. There are so many fantastic opportunities out there from Level 2 right through to degree equivalent apprenticeships and I strongly encourage those considering their options when leaving school, or even mature learners, to consider an apprenticeship route to achieve the career they want.”

In 2017, Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

Chesterfield Borough Council leads the Apprentice Town initiative, which aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher level apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the area.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be the first Apprentice Town in the UK, an apprenticeship is much more than just a job. They allow people to develop their skills and set them along a career path which leads to higher paying jobs – improving their quality of life and helping our borough’s economy to grow.

“We’re committed to making it easier for our residents to find the right apprenticeship opportunity for them, so that everyone has the chance to build a great career in our borough.”

To access the search tool, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/

Or, for more information on the Apprentice Town initiative, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/what-is-apprentice-town/

 

Apprentice Town - Find Your Apprenticeship - Social Media Landscape2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall recieves lottery funding for centenary project

The Barrow Hill Community Trust has announced it has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall Centenary Project.

The £90,400 award will support the work, which aims to renovate and repurpose the upper floor rooms and exterior of the Memorial Hall whilst preserving its heritage.

The initial development funding has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Barrow Hill Community Trust progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

The project aims to restore the imposing frontage and key heritage features of the Memorial Hall and will renovate the first floor of the building, creating a learning, skills and heritage space in the reading room and a restored venue for celebrations and events in the former ballroom.

It will create a sustainable future for the building, filling community needs and providing accessible training opportunities for volunteers and staff. The building will be run with and for local people, and be open to the world. It will become a heritage-led wellbeing and cultural destination with community at its heart.

This first stage of funding will be used to replace the slate roof over the heritage space and appoint a Project Co-ordinator to plan a programme of activities that bring local heritage to life, giving local people the chance to find out about the past, get involved and have a say in this important development. Building on the last few years of consultation with local people, the Community Trust and our design team will be finalising the designs for the building and agreeing how the hall will be re-opened to again provide much needed community services’

Built in 1863 as part of Richard Barrow’s industrial model village, the Memorial Hall has long been a focal point for the area and, over the years, has been used as a Dining Hall, Workmen’s Hall, War Memorial and social centre. Gifted in trust to the community by the Staveley Coal and Iron Company in 1924, the project aims to renovate and modernise the Memorial Hall for the future while continuing to honour its legacy and its past.

Commenting on the award, Simon Redding, Chair of Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support and would like to thank Lottery players for helping to make our vision a reality as we approach the centenary of community ownership of the Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. This grant will enable us to further our ambition to create a building which is truly inclusive and which embraces the whole community. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to conserving the Memorial Hall and preserving it for future generations.”

Chesterfield Community Hubs in Barrow Hill, Brampton, Town Centre & Loundsley Green support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chairman’s Blog: New office spaces are helping Chesterfield attract investment

Summer in Chesterfield is proving eventful, and I’m not just talking about the weather.

Once again (the pandemic years excepting) we are seeing a packed events calendar – Chesterfield Pride, The Festival of Cricket, The Great British Food Festival and the Peak District Highland Games to name just a few.

Chesterfield Pride

It’s wonderful to see most things returning to normal. The same, however can’t be said for the extremes of temperature and rising energy prices, which we have all been experiencing.

Amongst many other things, these issues have only highlighted the need for high quality, sustainable, energy efficient office space to be available in Chesterfield. Workers need to be at a comfortable temperature, businesses need to be able to afford the occupational costs, including energy bills.

The many businesses that have chosen to make the stunning new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre their home must be feeling particularly pleased with their decision. The Enterprise Centre, which opened in July, is the first of two recently constructed high quality office developments in Chesterfield town centre.

One Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside will open later this year giving the town much-needed modern large floor plate office space which will help us attract investment as well as provide space for growth for established businesses in the borough. Tenants have already been identified for significant elements of the space, who will take up occupation on completion.

The Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are a key part of Chesterfield Council’s ambitious growth strategy that will see large scale investment and regeneration across the borough.

A key part of that strategy is ensuring there are jobs and opportunities for local people, particularly school leavers. It is important that they know they can grow their careers here in Chesterfield, and that there are suitable premises available for potential employers.

Destination Chesterfield has long worked with education and training providers across Chesterfield to both raise awareness of the skills requirements from businesses and introduce young people to the careers available to them here.

We have also been actively involved in delivering a number of proactive initiatives targeting young people, including Apprentice Town, MyFuture and the forthcoming Made in Chesterfield campaign in November.

Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities alone have introduced more than 3500 pupils to STEM careers in the local economy since the campaign was launched in 2015 and Chesterfield College has also reported an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects.

The Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities are open to all year 6 – 13 pupils and are free. I would urge as many schools as possible to take advantage of these.

Whether business owner, educator, parent or relative, we all have a role to play in actively encouraging more young people to both live, work and grow their careers in this great town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Shortlist announced for 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards

First-time finalists have dominated the shortlist in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

Twenty businesses have made the shortlist in the 2022 awards for the first time with 11 of them being brand new businesses.

Following almost 1500 public nominations, the shortlist for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards features a total of 34 businesses across 11 categories.

Amongst the shortlisted businesses, Chesters and Adorn Jewellers are hoping to retain their 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards titles.

Last year, Chesters was named as Restaurant of the Year while Adorn took the title of Retailer of the Year in the annual awards which are organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “While the town and the retail sector are facing their challenges, the number of nominations we received for such a huge variety of businesses in this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards paints a very positive picture for the town.”

A mystery panel of judges will now evaluate the shortlist and the winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony which is being held at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October 2022.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the popular awards return for their second year. There are a total of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards with more shortlisted businesses, projects and individuals to be announced later in the year.

Peter Currey, Chief Executive Officer of Entire FM added: “It’s great to be a part of the prestigious Love Chesterfield Awards again and it’s even better to see the support for the range of great businesses we have in Chesterfield. There’s been some tough competition this year with so many great names. On behalf of all the team at EntireFM, we wish all the finalists good luck.”

The businesses shortlisted so far in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards include:

Best New Hospitality Business

The Batch House

Boba Shack

Host Coffee

Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley

Barkworthy Dog Emporium

The Lucky Magpie Salvage

MD Hair

Restaurant of the Year – presented by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management

Chesters

Devonshire Arms, Middle Handley

Sicily Restaurant

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

Adorn Jewellers

Dotique

Hasland Pet Supplies

Master Debonair

Excellence in Customer Service

Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Il Mondo Travel

Nora Eve

Independent High Street Business

Aurora Beauty Studio

Blanc & Blanc Occasions

Dava Boutique

Less than Zero Barbers

Café of the Year

Figaro

Graze

Koo

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Junction Bar

The Rectory

The Three Horseshoes, Clay Cross

Food Producer of the Year (within 10 miles) – sponsored by MSE Hiller

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Little Morton Farm Shop

Resting Devil

Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Grandad’s Sweets

Flower Girl Plants at Chesterfield Market

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd

The Batch House

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Northern Tea Merchants

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors.

The 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by several sponsors and partners, including: Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Elder Way, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd, and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “We’re expecting the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards ceremony to be our best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show their appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the four remaining sponsorship packages.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards or ceremony, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at:

https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/

Or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is officially open

Chesterfield’s new flagship enterprise centre, which will support new and expanding businesses to respectively start and grow in the town, is now officially open.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was officially opened by Councillor Terry Gilby, formerly the council’s member for economic growth who started the project in 2017, at a small ceremony on Wednesday 13 July.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, said: “The opening of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre represents the completion of the first phase of the Northern Gateway master plan. It will support local people to bring to life their business ideas and strengthen the local economy as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“We’ve built on our experiences at Tapton and Dunston Innovation Centres to develop this new building and with nine local businesses already signed up take space it is already evident that we have been successful in creating a modern environment where Chesterfield’s budding entrepreneurs can collaborate and flourish. We look forward to welcoming more tenants to the centre over the coming months.”

Roaring Mouse Public Relations have officially moved into the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, with more companies already lined up to move in over the next few months. East Midlands Chamber has also confirmed it is adding to its existing presence in the town by taking up space at the centre.

The Enterprise Centre includes 32 office suites in a range of sizes, all of which are fitted with the latest hi-tech features that are now standard requirements for modern businesses. It has conferencing facilities allowing businesses to host hybrid meetings and secure cycle parking and shower facilities to allow tenants to bike to work – supporting low carbon transport options. There are also features like break out rooms where businesses can network and find out how they can work together.

Tom Woodhead, Business Services Director at Robert Woodhead Group, said: “After a difficult start in 2020, we’re very happy to be handing over the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre to Chesterfield Borough Council. This modern facility will be extremely valuable to Chesterfield’s thriving business community, helping it to grow and flourish, especially with the hi-tech and hybrid-working features which have been included.”

But the Enterprise Centre provides much more than just office space, as tenants will be able to access bespoke business support services that can help them grow and develop, supporting the creation of more jobs and boosting the local economy.

The building also boasts some great sustainability features which will help keep energy usage down and ensure the building is fit for the future.

Nick Fenton, Associate Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “We’re delighted to see the Enterprise Centre complete on site. The Centre is an important part of the Northern Gateway regeneration scheme, providing a new and unique commercial offer which is designed to be a catalyst for further investment and development.

“The project is the third generation of office development for the Council which reflects their aspirations to promote and enhance small enterprising start-up businesses.

“As a local practice, we’re passionate about the region. It has been a privilege to work with the Council to deliver a sustainable building that will help the council move towards their net zero carbon target by 2030. The sustainability agenda is hugely important to us, a critical driver in all that we do is to reduce carbon to the greatest extent possible.”

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects and Chair of Chesterfield Property and Construction Group said: “The importance of this scheme should not be underestimated. Things do not just happen! The successful delivery of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre relied on Chesterfield Borough Council creating a vision, successfully securing funding, and then labouring for many years, including navigating some incredibly challenging market conditions, to realise the delivery of a fantastic new commercial offer for the town.

“We are proud to have worked alongside the Council through all stages of the development. The true quality of a team is revealed when things don’t quite go to plan – and the pandemic certainly was not part of it. Despite such challenges, we are proud as a local practice to have supported our Town in delivering such a high-quality facility for businesses wanting to locate in the town centre. This building is further evidence that Chesterfield is open for business and is a sound investment for the future.”

The Enterprise Centre was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Laurie Thomas, Assistant Director, Programme Management Office from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said: “We believe the Northern Gateway development will help breathe new life into the area and promote the growth of business activities in the ICT and professional service-based sectors”.

“South Yorkshire Investment Fund invested £5.83m in the construction of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, signalling a boost in confidence for investors. The investment will leverage in £12.5m investment by the private sector, support the creation of 150 jobs and indirectly create further jobs once the premises are fully let.”

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre contact the Enterprise Chesterfield team by calling 01246 903 900 or emailing enterprise@chesterfield.gov.uk.

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

Chesterfield Pride 2022: How your business can celebrate our LGBTQ+ community

Chesterfield is set to gather in celebration later this month, as one of the biggest Pride festivals across the region returns to the town.

The celebration of our LGBTQ+ Community will see thousands of people in attendance, to raise awareness of diversity and inclusivity in all walks of life.

As we approach the event, we’ve been finding out how your business can help to support and celebrate staff, clients and customers who identify as LGBTQ+; and how this can have a positive effect on your business in terms of raising profile and enabling further growth.

Ed Fordham is a Chesterfield Borough Councillor and Derbyshire County Councillor, he was the first LGBT+ person in Britain to get engaged to his same sex partner with the passing of the equal marriage laws in 2013.

Sharing his experiences of living and working in Chesterfield, Ed has penned the following blog post to encourage more businesses in implementing a clear and definitive diversity and inclusion policy…

It’s really quite simple: business that understand, embrace and celebrate diversity in their values are more successful. This applies to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, but in this blog post I am exploring the issues for Chesterfield businesses and the LGBT+ communities.

Derbyshire is, I think the only county in England that has two LGBT+ centres – one in Derby and one in Chesterfield. Indeed Derbyshire LGBT+ is a long standing and successful charity serving the community all year round and in good times and in bad. This year we are celebrating 50 years since the first Pride March in the U.K. In London in 1972. Here in Chesterfield our Pride Festival is in year 8. Pride is a celebration, a festival and a party, but crucially it is also a protest, a vigil, a march and a gathering of the community in numbers. It’s safety in numbers for the LGBT+ communities.

Across Chesterfield many companies employ people who self identify as LGBT+ but for each and every one of those staff members they often have an internal dilemma about how well known and public they are about their security.  I forget the number of times that I have had to correct people over my own identity. Indeed, I still get assumptions that my wedding ring signals that I have a wife rather than a husband.

Chesterfield Pride will see 6,000 people gathering in Stand Road on Sunday 24th July and the net spend, the investment and the purchase of food and drink alone will be significant for local traders and businesses.  In the run-up to Pride spend on fashion, clothing, hairdressers, shoes and more besides is significant in the Borough.

Further, it is known and understood that businesses of the 1950’s that were dominated solely by male managers and men only boards were unrepresentative and staid.  Accordingly it is now accepted that business and companies that know their workforce, embrace their identity and ensure they are included, listened to and enabled are more effective.  In addition they are more fleet of foot in a shifting economy, and in a world where companies want to be seen and noticed companies that celebrate Pride, empower their staff and reflect the modern world.

The best employers understand their employees, know that they should feel welcome, respected and represented at work. Inclusion in decision, plans and strategy drives better individuals, business and organisational outcomes.  And by celebrating Chesterfield Pride in way that us visible and staff led means that staff are able to bring their whole selves to work. All of the evidence shows that when LGBT+ employees feel free to be themselves , everybody benefits.  It is further accepted that employee inclusion is picked up by customers and support and commerce increase in line with awareness.

There are national scheme for large employees by Stonewall, but we are fortunate in having such a strong and vibrant Derbyshire LGBT+.as they provide Rainbow Accreditation for companies locally.  There are three entry levels: Rainbow Allies, Rainbow Connection and Ranbow Partnership. The level depends on your size of business and the associated costs are pegged accordingly.

Please, do what you can for Pride this year in your business, company and shop window, but for the future and long term, contact Derbyshire LGBT+ today and register for Rainbow Accreditation.  Contact John Yates-Harold johny@derbyshirelgbt.org.uk

LGBTQ+ Leaders in Chesterfield 

Chesterfield Pride Sponsor

Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough Council has been announced as headline sponsors with Chesterfield Pride for the 2nd year in a row, continuing its support of the annual celebration.

Cllr Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.”

The Council also has a clear policy and strategy to welcome equality and diversity in the borough, recognising that both equal treatment and positive action are necessary to counteract discrimination.

Activities to ensure the strategy is implemented includes The Equality and Diversity Forum; a group of representatives from statutory partners, community groups and local individuals with an interest and/or expertise in equality and diversity. The Forum members work together to share ideas, best practice and to raise awareness in the community of equality and diversity.

Find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Equality and Diversity strategy here. For more information about the Equality and Diversity Forum please email policyteam@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Tom Harrison, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator said: “At Chesterfield Royal Hospital we are proud supporters of Pride, and once again delighted to be taking part.

“We understand the value of bringing your whole self to work and support these values as a Trust. Several of our colleagues have completed the Stonewall role model programme and are in the process of setting up a staff network to support this learning. We are listening to both colleagues and patients – our listening exercise at Pride three years ago saw us develop training to support our gender diverse staff and patients through e-learning – we revisited last year at Pride and received positive feedback from those who had engaged with us. We are currently listening to views on gender inclusive language and are looking to introduce single occupancy unisex toilets at minimal cost. 

“We are proud of the work which our Royal Cultural Community does to promote and support our BAME and international colleagues – alongside our Be Yourself group. We offer a rainbow badge scheme helping colleagues to commit to being an ally and offer rainbow lanyards to colleagues so that our commitment is visible in all areas of the Trust. We will be flying the LBGT+ flag outside our Main Entrance with pride.”

To find out more about diversity and inclusion at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, go to: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/information-candidates/diverse-workforce

 

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Schools urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield 2022

Schools and training providers can now book free workplace tours, with engineering, manufacturing, property, and construction businesses as part of Made in Chesterfield 2022.

The annual campaign, which is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield is taking place between 7 November – 2 December later this year. It is designed to expose pupils to the vast array of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers available in businesses across the town. The visits can also support schools in their efforts to achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Open to Year 6 – 13 students, a diverse line-up of businesses have already signed up to deliver tours of their sites, including United Cast Bar, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils, SCR, Superior Wellness and Trans-Tronic.

Praising the workplace tours, Nick McGowan, Assistant Headteacher at Whittington Green School, which visited Woodhead Construction as part of Made in Chesterfield 2021, said: “We’ve been teaching construction in the school for the last 15 years and one thing we have always struggled with is access to site, so the visit was absolutely brilliant. It opened the students’ horizons to the jobs and opportunities within the construction sector.”

Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec Oils, which has been involved in the Made in Chesterfield campaign for several years added: “We fully support the Made in Chesterfield initiative, helping young people develop skills and interests to broaden their career opportunities. We gladly facilitate school visits for those interested in chemistry and manufacturing, giving insight into process, the varying job roles and the key skills required for each.

“We’ve had great engagement from students so far who seem interested and genuinely inspired by what they see at Aztec Oils. I personally think it’s an important scheme and I know it would have been of great value to me when I was at school”

Carol Claydon, Head of HR at Superior Wellness also commented on their involvement with the campaign: “We are delighted to be involved, once again, with the workplace tours organised as part of Made in Chesterfield. The campaign is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation and hopefully showcase the different sectors and opportunities that are available within the local area.”

All Made in Chesterfield school visits are organised by Direct Education Business Partnership, an organisation which specialises in supporting the aspirational decision making of young people to shape their future helping them to fulfil their potential.

As well as the workplace tours, during Made in Chesterfield schools can access a range of careers videos and tours of Chesterfield businesses to allow young people to experience the tours, activities and careers information they would receive in person, virtually. Alongside this, young people can access the MyFuture Virtual Careers Exhibition, where they can meet local employers, learn about exciting employment opportunities and much more.

Already, Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities have introduced more than 3500 pupils to careers in the sector since the campaign was launched in 2015. Chesterfield College has also reported an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “These Made in Chesterfield tours provide a fantastic opportunity for both students and teachers to learn about potential careers at local businesses. Inspiring the next generation of workers and helping them to understand employability skills is crucial to ensure the town continues to grow and thrive.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group which sponsors the campaign said: “Our commitment to the next generation of local workforce is to inspire them and equip them with the skills and experience that sets them up for a successful career in industry. A large part of that relies on the involvement of local employers to provide vital opportunities such as industry placements, work experience, site visits, guest lectures and apprenticeships to help a young person experience an industry.”

In addition to the Chesterfield College Group, Made in Chesterfield is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest. The organisation of Made in Chesterfield is financially supported by the D2N2 Derbyshire North Careers Hub as part of their regional Open Doors programme.

Schools wishing to arrange a workplace visit should contact Direct Education Business Partnership on 01246 212535 or email madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org. Or, if you’re a local manufacturing, engineering, property or construction business that would like to find out more about Made in Chesterfield, please visit here and register for a drop-in session organised by Destination Chesterfield: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-chesterfield-business-drop-in-session-tickets-366705314467

 

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Peak Pharmacy set to move to ultra-modern headquarters in North Derbyshire

Work has begun in Derbyshire to build a new ultra-modern headquarters for Peak Pharmacy, which will process millions of prescriptions per year for their patients.

Called Project Horizon, the multi-million pound venture at Markham Vale near junction 29A of the M1 signals a new chapter for the Chesterfield-based company.

The new Pharmacy Service Centre will handle prescriptions and dispatch medicines for the firm’s 150 community pharmacies across England. Prescriptions will be assembled for individual patients, then either delivered to local pharmacies for collection the next day, or direct to patients’ homes.

The facility will use state-of-the-art robots and automated systems to support staff handling over 400,000 medicines and other prescribed items every month – that’s 20,000 a day, more than 40 every minute.

Peak Pharmacy’s move is in response to caps in Government funding, which mean that pharmacy businesses are having to be more efficient in how they handle prescriptions. Centralising the process will also free up local pharmacists and Peak Pharmacy staff to provide other services for patients, such as vaccinations, blood pressure checks and healthy living advice.

Managing Director Joe Cattee, whose parents Peter and Jane founded Peak Pharmacy in 1981, said: “These are ambitious plans for our company, staff and customers – in the face of a rapidly changing pharmacy landscape.

“This will be transformational for us. We’re investing now to future-proof our business, so that we can continue to provide great local customer service which means so much to us.”

The new hub is due to open in April next year. It will house up to 100 staff, with the potential to grow into a 24-hour operation in future.

Peak Pharmacy is planning to be in a position to offer a centralised dispensing service to other independent pharmacies which don’t have the resources to develop their own centralised service, should the legislation allowing this change in the near future.

Mr Cattee added: “We’re inviting other pharmacies to contact us now, so we can show them how our hub can benefit them too.”

The company is investing more than £20m on Project Horizon, a significant proportion of which will be spent on automation technology. Around 40% of all prescriptions can be processed in this way.

The project will replace five smaller existing Peak Pharmacy sites in Derbyshire.  The new hub, on the site of the former Coalite coking plant in Bolsover, will:

  • Cover 113,000 square feet
  • Have a continued focus on sustainability, with energy efficiency measures, electric charge points for colleague and business vehicles, major tree-planting and a bat box
  • Provide an excellent working environment for staff, including a canteen and leisure facilities

Peak Pharmacy supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Dozens of Chesterfield companies among Derbyshire’s top 200 businesses

It has been revealed by the University of Derby that 40 Chesterfield businesses are among the top 200 firms in Derbyshire.

Researchers from the University’s Business School have compiled the list, which ranks all active, private sector businesses in Derby and Derbyshire by turnover — a simple but powerful indicator of business growth and relative positioning.

It showcases some of the companies driving the local economy and highlights interesting growth sectors and place-based clusters.

Angela Tooley, Enterprise Development Manager at the University of Derby, said: “Derby and Derbyshire are home to global brands, as well as locally owned high growth companies from a diverse range of sectors, which are at the forefront of innovation in UK growth areas such as decarbonisation, clean growth, digital and export of services.

“This research further confirms the strength of the area’s businesses, particularly as many of them are based outside of our main towns and city. This makes their contribution to the regional economy even more important, through providing high-quality employment and buying goods and services from local supply chains, many of whom are SMEs.”

The Top 200 has been compiled from publicly available information for the financial period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020, including data from Companies House and the Fame database. It therefore doesn’t show the full effects of the pandemic, which will become more apparent in the 2023 listing.

To qualify, companies must have:

  • been active during 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 (i.e. not in receivership or dormant)
  • had their registered office based in the region
  • reported independent accounts to Companies House for the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, added: “As the University’s profile and impact within the business community continues to grow and we move forward with our plans for our city-based Derby Business School, it’s fantastic to see such strong, thriving businesses, many that the University works closely with, recognised in the list.”

The Chesterfield businesses included in the list are:

  • Avant Homes Group – 13
  • GI Recruitment – 17
  • University of Derby – 27
  • Avanti Gas – 36
  • Vesuvius – 39
  • BI Group -53
  • Eyre and Elliston Holdings -60
  • Xtratherm UK – 68
  • Global Brands (GBL) Holdings – 78
  • Hillcare Holdings – 88
  • Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services Ltd. – 89
  • Heathcotes Group – 90
  • Caldic UK – 100
  • Proact IT UK – 102
  • Designer Contracts – 103
  • James Convenience Retail -109
  • Tenant Metallurgical Group Holdings Limited – 110
  • Xbite – 111
  • PR Marriott Drilling Ltd. – 120
  • United Rental Group – 122
  • Utopia Holdings -127
  • Capital Refactories – 130
  • Robinson PLC-  133
  • Bridgstock – 134
  • Evolution Funding Group – 135
  • UK Egg Centre – 136
  • CMC Chesterfield – 137
  • Magnavale – 141
  • Lubriacnt Holdings (Midlands) – 143
  • Aperam Stainless Services and Solutions UK – 152
  • Dormer Pramet – 162
  • Atlas Copco Medical – 164
  • Meter Provida Holdco – 169
  • Minorfern Ltd. – 174
  • Versus Arthritis – 176
  • Cathelco – 189
  • Moorhen Holdings – 190
  • Foseco International – 191
  • Coster Aerosols – 194
  • HRE Newco – 199

Find out more about all the companies in the list here.

Invest in Chesterfield and you will join businesses from world-leading manufacturers to multinational communication companies.  Enterprises of every kind already benefit from our positive approach and superb travel links.

A number of businesses featured in the list support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. These include: Avant Homes, University of Derby, Global Brands, Robinson PLC, SDL Minorfern.

Markham Vale business park, Located off J29a of the M1 Motorway

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