Destination Chesterfield

Construction progresses well on new affordable homes in Loundsley Green

Construction of the latest affordable homes being built for Chesterfield Borough Council is progressing well, with new homes set to welcome families later this year.

As part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable properties across the borough, 21 new properties are being built on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green.

Environmental improvements, including the creation of wildflower meadows and planting areas, are also included in the scheme to help boost biodiversity, support pollinators and create a better living environment.

Despite the challenges faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the council’s main contractor, Henry Boot Construction, started work on site in May 2020 and the homes are set to be completed in late 2021.

The new development, named Badger Croft, will comprise of ten two-bedroom houses, six three-bedroom houses, four four-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom bungalow – all of which will be added to the council’s housing register and let to local families.

As part of the council’s planning permission, whilst works are ongoing on site, Henry Boot Construction is working with the local Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to complete additional landscaping works close to the new development that will help to enhance the wider local community.

Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group already maintain land in the area on behalf of the council and have worked closely with the council’s tenant participation team to improve the look and feel of the neighbourhood and promote conservation and biodiversity in the area.

Members of the group have already created a wildflower meadow, installed wooden planters and planted over 100 trees. Now with the support of Henry Boot Construction, further environmental improvements are to be carried out, including mowing paths in the wildflower meadow and planting fruit trees, building and installing more planters and creating a new border for planting.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re pleased to see that works at Brockwell Court are progressing well. We’re committed to meeting the housing needs of local people, now and in the future, and these new properties will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for families in our borough.

“It’s also really important that new developments in the borough take account of environmental issues – contributing to a more sustainable future for us all. Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do. We’re really lucky to have had the support of Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group for a number of years, maintaining some of the land on our behalf, so we’re really pleased to see this develop even further with the help of Henry Boot.”

Tony Shaw, Managing Director, Henry Boot Construction, said: “As part of our commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2030 we were keen to support the community through providing an enhanced conservation space which encourages sustainability, as well as being an area people can treasure and enjoy.

“It has been a privilege to work closely with the Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group who have such passion and work so hard to maintain and develop these areas and we hope these improvements will be much enjoyed by all.”

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

Find your next career at the Chesterfield Market Recruitment Event

People searching for work in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being invited to a recruitment event where they can, learn more about the Kickstart vacancies, meet employers and get help to perfect their CV.

Chesterfield Borough Council has teamed up with DWP Jobcentre Plus to stage the event – designed to give job seekers a helping hand to find their next role and support local businesses to recruit. This will include hospitality, leisure, construction and health care businesses which are all struggling to recruit following the pandemic.

There will be a special focus on the Kickstart scheme, which provides 16-24 year olds with a six month paid work placement, that could lead to a full time role. There will be the opportunity to find out more about current placements by speaking to the employers directly.

It will run between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday 15 September at Chesterfield Market Square, with employers from sectors including Hospitality, Retail, Warehousing, Logistics, Customer Service, Administration and more still to be confirmed attending on the day.

Find out more about the event here.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Events like these are a great way for job seekers to directly meet employers in the area, and hopefully find the right opportunity for them – while helping local businesses fill their vacancies at a time when some sectors are struggling to recruit.

“Working with our partners in North East Derbyshire and Bolsover, we’ve been supporting virtual jobs fairs over the last 18 months and feel it’s important to host this face-to-face event now that restrictions have eased. It gives employers a chance to speak to their potential employees and it gives job seekers a great opportunity to make a fantastic first impression.

“If you’re looking for work, then this event is here for you. Not only will you be able to find out more about current opportunities, you can also get support to develop your CV, interview skills and covering letters.”

Julian Sutton, North Derbyshire Employer Lead & Kickstart District Account Manager, said: “The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Chesterfield Jobcentre Plus Offices (Markham House and Steeplegate) are looking forward to working collaboratively with Chesterfield Borough Council to co-host the Chesterfield Market Place Recruitment Event and bring this fantastic opportunity for the local residents of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. On offer will be a fantastic array of new employment skills, employability skills, jobs and Kickstart vacancies through our local Partner organisations and Employers.”

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.

There will also be a selection of local training providers and other organisations who will be able to offer help and support with your job search. They will be able to offer advice on apprenticeships and the training available.

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

Top community contributors recognised in brand-new awards

Three of Chesterfield’s top community contributors have been named in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

CBE+ Group, Peak Pharmacy and The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire have all been shortlisted for the Community Contribution Award. The new category celebrates the kindness shown by organisations and their employees to local people and community projects in 2020 and 2021.

CBE+ Group has been involved in a number of activities, supporting the local community, from producing thousands of vital ventilator parts in a matter of weeks to sponsoring local football club New Tupton Ivanhoes Under 13’s team and Tupton RUFC.

Marie Cooper, CEO of CBE+ Group explained: “Community contribution is something we see as non-optional at CBE+. Our business and our people play a major part in the Chesterfield community. We therefore have an active engagement in supporting the local area and ensure its future growth and success are part of our mission.

“Whether its engaging young people into apprenticeships, offering regional employment opportunities on Kick Start schemes, or supporting our staff’s children’s sports teams, sponsoring their kits, we work together to achieve more. This is exactly what we want to bring to Chesterfield. It is an honour to be recognised for our efforts to date and we plan to continuously increase the support we give to the community as we grow.”

Supporting patients throughout the entirety of the pandemic, the team at Peak Pharmacy has continued to put their customers in front of themselves through extremely challenging conditions. Establishing a Covid-19 clinic in Chesterfield (at Casa Hotel) as well as at one of its pharmacies in Clay Cross, they’ve administered more than 30,000 vaccinations to the people of Chesterfield.

Joe Cattee, Director of Peak Pharmacy commented: “It’s a great honour for Peak Pharmacy to be shortlisted for the Community Contribution Award, we are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication that all our colleagues have shown during the pandemic. They prioritised the communities we serve knowing the potential dangers they could expose themselves to and have gone about their tasks selflessly.”

During the pandemic, the team at The Volunteer Centre Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire started a shopping service for the shielded and vulnerable. Over the last 18 months, the staff along with extra recruited volunteers, have dealt with over 3,000 referrals.

Dave Radford, Manager of the organisation said: “We’re really honoured to be shortlisted for this award – giving back to the community really is at the heart of what we do and it’s great to be recognised for that. We know how much the community appreciates what we do and that makes it so rewarding for us.”

Passionate about giving back to the community themselves, Van Dyk by Wildes has sponsored the Community Contribution Award. The luxury hotel and spa is also sponsoring this year’s Chesterfield Pride, which takes place on Sunday 22nd August at Stand Road Park.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of the new award: “In the past 18 months we have all witnessed the importance of having a strong community and the collective response throughout the pandemic to ensure that people and business communities remain connected has been phenomenal. I am delighted that we are able to recognise these efforts with the new Community Contribution Award.”

The Community Contribution Award is one of 16 categories in the new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management. The new awards have combined Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards and also recognised the contribution of entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprentices and sustainability over the last 18 months.

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards

Chesterfield’s sustainable businesses recognised with new award

Three of Chesterfield’s top sustainable businesses have been named in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Astra Designs, Designer Contracts and Superior Wellness have been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award for demonstrating a commitment to sustainable business practices. This is the first time sustainability has been recognised in Destination Chesterfield’s annual awards.

Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, the award is designed to highlight the importance of businesses working towards becoming carbon neutral.  The three finalists commended not only measure and report their progress, but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during the past five years.

Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since committed to the Council and borough becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

Donna Swift-Moore, Owner and Designer at Astra Designs commented: “When I found out that we were shortlisted for this award, you would’ve thought I had won the lottery! Our whole business model is based around sustainability and reducing fast fashion pollution, with the company using 80% recycled fabrics. We just think it’s so important and, with the introduction of this new award, I think it says a lot about Chesterfield.”

Rob Carlin, Managing Director of Superior Wellness said: “We are delighted to be a finalist for this award. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Superior Wellness – we care about wellness and about the environment. Within the last few months, we have reviewed our waste strategy, purchased electric forklift trucks, installed solar panels and have electric charging points. This is just the start as we seek to become more sustainable as a business.”

Louise Walters, Commercial Director at Designer Contracts explained: “Sustainability improves the quality of our lives. As a business, we believe it’s really important to be invested in making more sustainable choices and developing strategies that contribute to our environment.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, commented: “We are proud to be sponsoring the inaugural Sustainability Award as part of the Love Chesterfield Awards.

“As a council we have set ambitious targets to reduce our own carbon emissions and those of the wider borough, but we cannot do this alone. We need to work with businesses, individuals, and community organisations to realise this ambition.

“This award is one of the ways we hope to reach the business community and demonstrate the actions businesses can take to reduce their carbon footprint. But it is also an opportunity to celebrate those businesses which have been leading the way and implementing sustainable business practices.

“I want to congratulate all the finalists for the fantastic work they have done and wish them the best of luck.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of the new award: “Climate change is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, so it was important for us to recognise those that are pushing to make a positive change here in Chesterfield.

“For these local organisations to remain on top of sustainability issues, during what has been such a challenging time for everyone, is impressive, inspiring and a testament to the type of businesses we have here in our town.”

The Sustainability Award is one of 16 categories in the new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management. The new awards have combined Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards and also recognised the contribution of entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprentices and sustainability to the local community over the last 18 months.

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

Destination Chesterfield has two sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the town, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Sustainability Award sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield Awards

Enjoy a picnic in Chesterfield with local food and drink

A picnic in Chesterfield doesn’t have to be ordinary – not with the range of local produce the town has on its doorstep. With great weather forecast and so many wonderful spots to enjoy a picnic in Chesterfield, this summer could be the tastiest yet.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or are a lover of savoury snacks, there’s something to fill every picnic hamper from Chesterfield’s independent food and drink producers. And we’ve selected a few products for you to sample.

What are you waiting for? Grab your favourite picnic blanket and enjoy some of this delicious produce which is available on your doorstep.

Crooked Pickle

Shortlisted in this year’s Food and Drink Producer category in the Love Chesterfield Awards, Crooked Pickle’s popular Bread and Butter pickles feature crunchy pickled cucumber and onion in a sweet and fragrant vinegar. It’s perfect with a cheese sandwich.

Former baker and beer brewer, Felix Mendelson established the business in 2018 after discovering a gap in the market for ‘inventive and tasty pickled vegetables’. He commented: “I’ve always dabbled in food. The business has gone from strength to strength and I am getting busier.”

Bread and Butter pickles – £4.95

Crooked Pickle products can be bought at Society Cafe and online at www.crookedpickle.co. Free local delivery is also available.

Teresa Lambarelli

Winner of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award three times, Teresa is hoping to make it a fourth win at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

During lockdown, Teresa has also developed a new line – Stir Naked, which incorporates collagen in its ingredients. She said: “I have developed a powdered form of my sauce with added collagen. You simply add water and it tastes just like one of my pasta sauces. It can also be enjoyed as a soup. It’s a meal working from within.”

Teresa’s range of salad dressings and pastes are perfect for a picnic. Stir her Pomodoro Sundried Tomato Paste into pasta and eat cold. Or simply enjoy with cheese and crackers.

Pomodoro Sundried Tomato Paste – £3.75

Available to order online at www.teresalambarelli.co.uk or instore at 7 Chatsworth Road.

Granny Mary’s

 A former winner of the Food and Drink Producer of the Year Award in 2015, Granny Mary’s is now stocked in 14 Co-op stores, Morrison’s in Chesterfield and a myriad of independent food stores.

Sales Director Craig Maxwell explained: “Given the current shortage of staff in the hospitality industry because of Covid, our range of pates and spreads are really popular with chefs. They know they are good quality products which they can buy in and serve quickly and easily to diners.”

Enjoy Granny Mary’s’ range of six flavours, which include Potted Beef, Beef and Tomato, Chicken Liver Pate, Duck and Orange, Chicken Garlic & Thyme, Ham Hock and Parsley, and Pulled Pork on crackers or crusty bread in a picnic.

Find out where to buy here: https://grannymarys.co.uk/where-to-buy/

Cup and Saucer

Cup and Saucer now has a place on the high street. The business opened its first shop in Clay Cross in January 2020 just two months before lockdown hit. Despite the setback, the business has gone from strength to strength. And It’s now teamed up with other local producers including Homemade by Haslemere, creating hampers and an online gift delivery service.

Gail Hannan, Owner of Cup & Saucer commented: “Lockdown was an opportunity for me to work with other local producers. The business went crazy and I was busier than I have ever been – it was full on.”

What picnic would be complete without a flask of tea – hot or cold. Try Cup and Saucer’s ‘The Pennine Picnic’, a tropical fruity flavoured tisane, served cold over ice for a refreshing cuppa on a hot day.

The Pennine Picnic – £2.85 for 30g.

Buy in store or online at https://www.cupandsauceronline.co.uk/shop

Homemade at Haslemere

A fig tree inspired former Parkside School Deputy Headteacher, Rachel Hammond to establish Homemade at Haslemere in 2018. She said: “I have a fig tree in my garden, which produces loads of figs and I didn’t know what to do with them, so I made jam and everyone loved it – the business went from there. Now most of the jams and chutneys I make are made from produce which comes from within five miles of where I live.”

All products are seasonal, so be quick. Once they’re gone, they’re gone until next year. You can, however order Afternoon tea for Two all year round, which is packed full of homemade sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Price: Afternoon Tea for Two – £25.00

Order at www.facebook.com/Homemade-at-Haslemere

Salute

Chesterfield’s Salute uses local distillery and soft drinks companies to create personalised drinks hampers. For a larger garden gathering, why not hire the Horsebox or Pop-Up Bar and let Salute serve you some summer sparkle!

Price: Hampers from £17.99

Visit www.salute-prosecco.com/hampers to purchase.

Northern Tea Merchants 

Northern Tea Merchants’ Hibiscus Flowers tea is a delightful infusion, served hot or cold. It is often common to serve this tea with a little sugar as some people can find it a little tart, similar to cranberry.

Or why not try the finest quality, small leaf ‘breakfast tea’, Gourmet Classic. Due to its excellent quality constituent teas, the Gourmet Classic has a delicious aroma, a bright and coppery liquor and excellent flavour.

Prices: from £2.19

Available to purchase online from https://www.northern-tea.com/shop/ or instore from Northern Tea Merchants on Chatsworth Road. Or give the shop a call on 01246 232 600 to arrange free local delivery.

The Cheese Factor 

What’s a picnic without a good quality, locally sourced cheeseboard? Pair these tasty cheeses with crackers and biscuits for the perfect way to finish your feast.

Price: Large cheeseboard (8 cheeses) – £16.00

Click and collect from the store next to the market hall: Cheeseboards – The Cheese Factor (cheese-factor.myshopify.com)

Derbyshire Distillery

Fancying a tipple with your picnic? Enjoy summer in a glass with this Passion Fruit Gin from Chesterfield’s very own Derbyshire Distillery.

Price: £29.95

Order online today: https://www.derbyshiredistillery.com/product/derbyshire-passion-fruit/

Liza Bakes

With a range of afternoon teas, cakes and bakes, you’re sure to find what you need at Liza Bakes. The Posh Ploughman’s lunch consists of Strong Cheddar finger, Red Leicester cheese finger, Scotch egg, bite size pork pie, rolled ham slice, quiche, home-made tear and share bread, pickle, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, celery and fruit skewer.

Price: £12.00

Delivery is available, 2 days’ notice required. Purchase online at https://lizabakes.co.uk/product-category/shop/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kickstart Scheme enables Action Coach Chesterfield to grow

Action Coach Chesterfield is one of the latest businesses in the town to benefit from the Kickstart Scheme, which aims to reduce levels of unemployment among young people.

The initiative provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

  • 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
  • associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions

Action Coach Chesterfield has recently taken on Andrew Marwood as a Customer Journey Agent thanks to the scheme, after Managing Director, Fiaz Sadiq attended a Kickstart day at the Chesterfield Job Centre to see how the firm could help those in the community seeking employment.

Fiaz commented: “The skill set we required for the Customer Journey Agent was to be data and analytic driven, to help support the complete journey for the client. In the first 5 minutes speaking to Andrew, he demonstrated confidence and ability in these skill sets, and his attitude to take ownership made it an easy decision.

“In times like these, the best thing we can do is give chance, and provide a supporting environment for young people to grow and learn skills, that will not only help them in their professional life, but more importantly build life skills.”

The company has now confirmed that further to adding Andrew to the team, the firm is now looking to fill two further positions through the scheme. One of the positions is currently being advertised (Business Development Agent), providing an opportunity for an experienced salesperson to progress within their career with a future in Business Development.

Another position in the company will be out soon; as the company aims to add a Marketing Agent to its team. This position will focus on all things Marketing, identifying social media trends and working with social media accounts.

To find out more about how Kickstart can benefit your business, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Action Coach supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Andrew Marwood- Action Coach Chesterfield

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

Step up for a selfie to help celebrate the people and places of Chesterfield

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to step up for a selfie – and become part of the town’s latest piece of public art – as part of an innovative project to celebrate the people and places of the borough.

More than a thousand local people are being offered the chance to have their face featured in a new ‘Love Chesterfield Mosaic’ which is being created by Chesterfield Borough Council to celebrate the growth and prosperity of the town.

The quirky project will create a striking piece of artwork to go on display in the town’s flagship Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – one of many significant developments currently underway as part of the borough’s £1 billion growth programme.

Working in partnership with Chesterfield-based digital marketing company, noonah, the council will run a virtual photo booth throughout August where people can submit their photographs or selfies online. They will be able to choose from a selection of local landmarks to feature as their background.

There will also be two in-person events where people can get their snaps taken in the noonah Virtual Photobooth, for inclusion in the artwork.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, the council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is a thriving borough with a lot to look forward to, and we want to celebrate our people and our places, as part of this creative project.

“We’re asking people to submit a photo online or join us at one of our events happening in the town centre to have a photo taken, for an opportunity to be part of our Love Chesterfield Mosaic.

“In total, 1,200 individual images will be combined to make a striking collage which will be displayed in the entrance of our new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.”

People are invited to take part in the in-person events on the days below, when they can have their photograph taken and printed out for them to place on the mosaic.

  • Tuesday 10 August – from 9am to 5pm in Market Square next to McDonalds
  • Saturday 14 August – from 9am to 5pm in New Square

Alternatively, people can visit the Love Chesterfield Mosaic Virtual Photo Booth to upload their own photo or scan a QR code which will be displayed in shop windows around the town centre.

Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for economic growth, added: “The new Enterprise Centre is central to the council’s commitment to supporting local businesses to prosper and flourish and will help to bring more skills and jobs to the borough.

“It’s at the heart of our Northern Gateway project which also includes improvements to this route into the town centre, with work currently underway on Elder Way.

“Our Love Chesterfield Mosaic will really capture and celebrate the spirit of our borough, and we’re looking forward to seeing the end result!”

People must be over 18 or have the permission of a parent or guardian, to submit a photo for inclusion. Images will be moderated before they are used as part of the project, to ensure all content is appropriate. Images must be submitted by 31 August 2021.

See the Love Chesterfield Mosaic take shape at https://mosaic.virtual-tech.io/lovechesterfield/

The project is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign which is being run by the council and Destination Chesterfield to encourage people to celebrate all that is great about the borough. Find out more.

The new Enterprise Centre will include 32 high quality office suites in a range of sizes to accommodate new and growing businesses. For more information about the project visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/

Twitter - People

Twitter – People

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

All Systems Go for The Peak District Highland Games 2021

Matlock Farm Park has confirmed the return of the popular Strongman event, The Peak District Highland Games on Sunday, 29th August.

Now in its fifth year, this key Peak District event will see a team of some of the country’s strongest men take part in a schedule of six events throughout the day, including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, the Giant Stone Throw, Log Press and the Tossing of the Caber.

This year sees the introduction of women competing in their own Strongwoman event on the day.

Man Beast Strongman Events co-founder Andy Picken said: “It’s great for the guys to be back doing what they do best, bringing the strongman sport to audiences to witness some awesome feats of strength. With women competing this year too, they can demonstrate the same dedication to training and some amazing strength skills, as well as highlighting the diversity in rapidly growing strength sport.”

Abi Bradbury, General Manager of Matlock Farm Park, added: “We’re thrilled to once again be hosting this fantastic outdoor event, which has always been so popular with visitors of all ages. Along with watching the strongman and strongwoman events, and even having the chance to take part in a Tug of War, there’s so much else to do around the farm park, including small animal handling, wallaby encounters and children’s pony rides. We have great play areas and Kimmo the children’s entertainer is with us throughout the day too.”

The day will begin with a Scottish Piper band playing to lead the competitors into the arena, with representatives from the region’s official tourism board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire officially opening the event. On site there will also be food and craft stalls, Thornbridge beer tent and a gin garden.

The athletes themselves come from all over the country holding local, regional and even some world records, with a variety of work backgrounds from tradesmen to a train driver!

Andy Picken, who is also Master of Ceremonies on the big day, explained how the athletes feel about a return to competing: “It’s been such a hard time for the Nation and Lockdown has provided extra challenges to the athletes who have had limited home equipment to maintain strength. But with restrictions easing, they’ve been hitting the gym again with a renewed fire in the belly and they’re feeling very excited at the prospect of The Peak District Highland Games. Some have even got their own Caber to train with!

“With some new faces in the line-up, we have shaken up the competitors which gives some hungry fringe contenders a chance to shine and take on the established athletes. It’s certainly going to be a day to remember to those spectating!”

Tickets on sale now – Find out more about the event here.

Matlock Farm Park supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

People encouraged to have their say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Market traders, town centre retailers, residents and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on ambitious plans to revitalise Chesterfield Market by taking part in a public consultation which launches today (Monday 2 August).

Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking people’s views on plans to create a vibrant open-air shopping experience with new event space, seating, and landscaping – to help shape the council’s final proposals for Chesterfield Market.

The draft Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Vision Master Plan aims to ensure the market area remains a modern shopping destination, despite the challenges posed by a rise in online shopping and, more recently, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “We recognise the need to invest now to make sure Chesterfield town centre remains modern, vibrant, and relevant – and our market is a key part of that.

“As the heart and soul of our town centre, we must do all we can to make sure that Chesterfield Market continues to prosper in today’s world, as a destination of choice for traders, residents, and visitors.

“These ambitious plans lay down a new vision for Chesterfield Market and are based on what market traders, town centre retailers and residents told us they wanted to see when we asked for initial feedback on the project.

“We are now encouraging even more people to have their say on the plans in a public consultation, which runs for six weeks.”

The draft Master Plan proposals were approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 20 July and will be out for public consultation from today through 12 September 2021, with initial work set to begin on site early 2022.

Key proposals include:

  • The re-siting of market stalls currently located in New Square and on Low Pavement into a single market ground of 100 stalls in Market Square – creating a more defined and vibrant market area. The area will also include a flexible events space.
  • The re-modelling of New Square as a flexible events space – able to hold large-scale events, and accommodate temporary installations and active edges linked to local bars and restaurants
  • Upgrades to the paving to improve the quality while also making it more accessible for people dependent on wheelchairs, pushchairs, or mobility aids
  • The introduction of new seating areas and attractive landscaping to create spaces where people want to sit and chat whilst taking in what the town has to offer
  • The planting of more trees to increase biodiversity and improve the street scene
  • Brighter and more vibrant stall coverings and flexible stalls supplied with water, better lighting, and digital connectivity

The council’s plans have also been developed with due regard for the Conservation Area including giving greater prominence to the Market Hall and the town pump, which is currently obscured, by opening-up the public space in these areas.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We all treasure Chesterfield’s historic market and I know many people will have views on how they want to it to look and feel in the future, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take a look at the plans and tell us what they think. Their views will be used to shape the final proposals.”

Due to the ongoing uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, this second phase of consultation will be carried out via a virtual exhibition – available to view at https://market-consultation.chesterfield.gov.uk/

Exhibition documents will be available to view at Chesterfield Market Hall and interested parties can also obtain paper copies of the questionnaire from the council’s Customer Services Centre, just off New Square.

Respondents to the public consultation will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers.

The council has already secured £1.15m funding through the Derbyshire Business Rates Pilot and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Further funding for later phases is being sought as part of a bid that the council has recently submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Terms and conditions for the prize draw can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/terms-and-conditions

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield

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Ashgate Hospicecare teams up with BRM Solicitors for ‘Make a Will Month’

People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will this August as part of Ashgate Hospicecare’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during August and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to Ashgate Hospicecare.

The choice and amount to give is up to the client, but for a simple single will a suggested donation is just £75, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “The past 18 months have been a challenging time for us all, with the pandemic making us painfully aware of our own mortality.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for. It enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Ashgate’s Make a Will Month allows you to do that for free.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Currently, one in five people are cared for thanks to money left in wills, but as the number of people with life-limiting illnesses increases, demand for the services continues to grow.

Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding, with the hospice reporting losses of more than £3 million in planned fundraising income because of the pandemic.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Jack added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.”

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, go to: https://www.brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate-hospicecare-free-wills-month/ or call 01246 555 111

BRM Solicitors and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Superior Wellness installs new photography studio to showcase its products

Huge progress has been made this month with the development of a brand new in-house photography studio at Chesterfield-based hot tub manufacturer, Superior Wellness.

A turntable platform has been installed, giving the company the opportunity to photograph its products at different angles, along with providing the team with the ability to take overhead images and videos.

The studio ensures Superior Wellness will be able to improve its marketing content across all platforms, including in print and online.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing at Superior Wellness said: “Following our move into the new location, we now have the space to have our own in-house studio.  It is so important that we have good quality imagery and videos of all products.  This will ensure our brochures, websites and spec sheets are of a premium quality to match our products.

“A hot tub or swim spa is a big purchase and therefore our retail and trade customers want to see a full 360 video of the product or images of the product highlighting the key features.  With so many variations of colours and models with now have almost 200 products to capture.  As the hot tubs come into the warehouse we can schedule them in for a photoshoot before they get delivered to a retail customer or for one of our trade partners.

“This is an exciting step forward and will really transform our marketing here at Superior Wellness. Thank you to Tamworth based firm Spin-It, who fitted the new turntable.”

Further developments also include a complete renovation of the firm’s 10,000sq ft showroom based in Chesterfield, which will display a range of hot tubs, swim spas, accessories and a brand-new testing area once complete late summer 2021.

The company has also announced a number of new recruits in recent months, which has provided a further boost to Chesterfield’s economy and employment landscape as the town looks to continue its recovery from the covid-19 pandemic.

Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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