Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s Avant Homes becomes 1st UK housebuilder to introduce Honda E vehicle fleet

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes has become the first UK housebuilder to introduce a fleet of 30 Honda e electric vehicles for its regional sales teams to use.

With 60 live developments across the Midlands, Yorkshire, north east England and Scotland, the new fleet will enable Avant Homes to provide prospective homebuyers with a more mobile and accessible sales service.

Supplied by motor retailer Stoneacre Chesterfield, the leasing deal is the biggest transaction the Tapton Lock dealership has ever brokered with a corporate client. The leasing agreement for the fleet was handled by Lex Autolease.

The cars have been introduced as part of a new commitment by the homebuilder to meet prospective buyers by appointment only at their preferred location, whether that is at a development, their home or the workplace.

Commenting on the new fleet, Avant Homes chief executive officer, Colin Lewis, said: “We learnt a lot during lockdown about how best to continue to provide our customers with exceptional service that is tailored to their needs.

“We identified that our customers need greater flexibility due to the changing circumstances they face and that we needed to evolve our sales function. We wanted to be able to meet our customers wherever was most convenient for them, so our idea was to be able to take Avant Homes to them on demand, and this led us to securing and introducing our new fleet of Honda e cars.

“We chose the Honda e so that we could not only provide our people with a state-of-the-art vehicle, but also minimise the environmental impact of the increased travel our sales team will be undertaking. The car’s contemporary and exciting design also appealed to us due to our desire to be a housebuilder that is different from the competition. So, like Avant Homes, the Honda e embodies an excellent combination of innovation, practicality and fun.

“We were clear from the outset that we wanted to support a local business to help deliver this initiative, so we are very pleased to have been able to partner with Stoneacre Chesterfield to acquire the new fleet. The service provided by the team there has been outstanding, and we can’t wait to get the cars delivered to our team across our five regional offices.”

Avant Homes is one of the UK’s leading private residential property developers. The business currently builds approximately 2,000 homes each year, has a turnover of circa £500m and employs around 780 people.

The Honda e, which was launched earlier this year, is the first electric Honda vehicle to be sold in Europe. At the beginning of October, it won the City Car of the Year category in the Sunday Times Motor Awards 2020 due to its unique combination of dynamic performance, refined comfort and futuristic technology. Inside, the modern minimalist passenger cabin utilises contemporary materials and is spacious and uncluttered to creates a comfortable lounge-like feel.

The Honda e features a water-cooled 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using either Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charge. The car is capable of travelling up to 137 miles before drivers need to recharge the battery which can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in only 30 minutes.

Regional manager for Stoneacre Chesterfield , David Harding, said: “The popularity of hybrid and e-vehicles is rapidly increasing, so we were delighted to see Avant Homes select the Honda e as the vehicle of choice for their sales fleet. We’re thrilled to be able to provide an affordable, efficient and stylish option, and help Avant Homes to optimise their customer experience.”

The fleet was officially handed over to Avant Homes at a special event at Chesterfield FC where the cars were revealed to Avant staff for the first time.

Avant Homes are also currently involved in building part of the residential area at Chesterfield Waterside. Find out more here.

Avant Homes 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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Derbyshire County Council offers free careers advice for those who need it

Derbyshire County Council says it is offering free careers advice to anyone who is aged over 19, or anyone who is 18 and not working or in education. They can ask for free advice on:

  • Training courses – including how to get funding
  • Career planning – including help to understand the current labour market, identifying skills, looking at new career paths and routes into employment
  • How to write a CV or update an existing one
  • How to write covering letters that will gain the attention of prospective employers
  • Helpful tips on finding new employment such as making the most of ‘Find a Job’, using social media and exploring the hidden labour market guidance on how to write an application form and relating it to a possible interview

Appointments are either offered on the phone, or by video call. Advice is also available by email or text.

Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Alex Dale said: “We can offer advice to those who may have been affected by the changes to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“If you have been made redundant and need help then please get in touch and our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with your CV, offer advice on training, or suggest a change of career.
“There is government funding earmarked for training and job creation, and our team of career coaches can help you to find out more.”

The team can also offer advice on interview skills, including video interviews and advice on volunteering and work experience opportunities on offer across the county.

You can find out more by visiting the County Council’s website. Find out more about working in Chesterfield here. 

Chesterfield is 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 by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here. Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

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Young Chesterfield rally driver claims second place in Italian rally event

21-year-old Chesterfield racing sensation Seb Perez claimed an impressive second place at the Modena Cento Ore historic rally earlier this month (October 11 – 15)), having tackled a challenging four days across idyllic Italian terrain alongside team-mate and car owner Andrew Siddall.

After taking some time out due to the Coronavirus lockdown since March and after his European GT4 Championship debut was quashed he showed that none of his motorsport talent had been lost.

The prestigious rally featured eleven special stages and three circuit races that started in the City of Rome before moving across Italy, taking in iconic race tracks on the way finishing in Modena, the home town of Enzo Ferrari.

The Derbyshire race and rally driver currently took to the passenger seat as co-driver for the second time on the event alongside Andrew in the Ford Escort RS1800 MK2 LAR 800P, the historic rally car that was driven to second place in the 1975 Lombard RAC Rally in the hands of the master of rallying himself rally legend Roger Clark.

The start in the historic City of Rome followed a parade the day before of the fantastic rally machinery that was to be thrashed over the picturesque Italian countryside.

Day one saw Andrew at the wheel to tackle the first two stages at Terminillo, the historic hillclimb site that’s used in the European Rally Championship. The pair got off to a good start finishing fourth fastest after the two stages and by the time they got to the end of the day in Perugia were 1 minute 24 seconds off the top spot but dropping to fifth.

A great start to the second day saw Siddall get the Escort back into fourth spot with Perez’s map reading skills keeping the car on the road by the end of SS3 at Colonnetta. The time had come as they arrived at Autodromo di Magione for Perez to get the gloves on and show his rival what he could do. Perez was like wildfire as the lights went out showing he hadn’t lost any of his past two years of championship Porsche Carrera Cup GB racing skills apart from racing in a 45 year old rally car on a race circuit. As usual Perez became the master at work and reworked the car to his needs that saw him take the chequered flag for a podium third place.

An ecstatic Perez sat back in the co driver’s seat and back on the maps as Siddall took to the fast twisty stage of SS4 Portole and ploughed back to take second place and just over one minute behind the leader. Next up was SS5 La Rossinata, the stage was taken a little slower but consistency ruled and second spot was not defeated.

An overnight halt in Florence for the duo was in hand and a well earned rest before Wednesdays leg of the rally.

Perez was in the seat again first thing for leg three, it took them to the delights of Autodromo del Mugello Circuit, Perez was straight into it with a practice session that saw him make good pace and up at the top. The race proved just the same with again lightning speed and precision that would have made the late Clark very proud of his Works Escort.

Fighting side by side on the curbs with the 27 cars on track Perez took the flag after the statutory 7 lap race finishing in 2nd place behind the Dansport prepared Porsche Carrera RS of Brits Philip Lawrance Kadoorie and Dan Wells.

Four stages followed, two at Passo del Giogo and the same at Cornacchiaia that saw them keep on track and consistent through and through keeping the car in second place and some fastest times thrown in as a bonus. After it was back to Florence again for another night’s sleep.

Leg 4 and last day saw two stages and another circuit race on the cards, special stage 10 was at Monte Faggiola that saw Perez and Siddall retain second slot and move onto SS11 Sambuca where again they held onto second pulling out every stop to get closer to the number one car.

Final trial of the race was down to Perez and his circuit skills, he lined up on the tarmac at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. Perez had another great start and for 7 laps he tried to take the car to number one but had to settle for third, 37 seconds behind the Dansport Porsche again but three podium spots out of three races was good enough to end on a high for the demanding but exciting 4 day adventure and to take second place only 1minute 58 seconds behind the winner.

The Perez and Siddall duo took honours in the final ranking at the event finish in Modena taking second overall, first on the race circuit sections, third fastest on the special stages, They also were awarded a class winner’s trophy.

Dansport from Walton Chesterfield came third in the Team Award, they prepared and made sure both the Escort of Perez and Siddall and Porsche RS of Kadoorie and Wells were in ship shape order throughout the rally.

Perez said after the Italian adventure “It was an fantastic week out in Italy. This was only my second event this year and was great working with Andrew for the second year on the rally and being able to drive in the races, Driving the car again was such a honour, it was very different to drive and there was very little we could change on the car that meant I had to drive around a lot of the cars traits to get the best out of it. I gained even more experience in the co-driving world, I have to give a big thanks to both Andrew and DANSPORT for giving me this amazing opportunity in such an historic car.”

Image Credit to Modena Cento Ore

Editorial by Paul Horton

 

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Bridge Help brings new talent to bridging finance

Bridge Help’s latest appointment brings new talent to the male-dominated bridging and finance industry.

Phoebe Sellars has been appointed as Business Development and Loan Manager at the Chesterfield-based bridging finance company.

Phoebe brings a background in retail management and law to the brand new role at the company. She was most recently employed in the Wills team at a leading firm of solicitors.

Her interest in and subsequent move to the bridging finance sector has been triggered by her father and chief executive of Bridge Help, Chris Sellars.

She explained: “I was previously working for a legal firm and my role was furloughed during lockdown. During this time I witnessed the fact that the bridging loan industry didn’t stop. It was very much business as usual and deals were still being done and no two days were the same. I loved the proactive and flexible approach to working in the face of adversity. I am a person that likes to be busy and challenged and it was a career move that excited me.”

Within the newly created role, Phoebe will be responsible for building relationships with Bridge Help’s broker and client network as well as managing the company’s loan pipeline.

She added: “I am surrounded by an experienced and knowledgeable team, including the bridging industry stalwart Danny Power. With the business plans we have in place I am excited by what the future holds for both me and Bridge Help.”

Phoebe is one of three new appointments made at the growing firm since the start of the year. The company also made the move to larger premises last month to accommodate its increasing workforce, all of which is instrumental in achieving Bridge Help’s ambitions to achieve a £100 million loan book by 2024.

For further information about Bridge Help visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Bridge Help 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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Brampton Manor announces innovative ‘watch out to help out’ events

Brampton Manor has announced the launch of a series of drive-in movies next month, giving local people the opportunity to enjoy cinema in a safe environment.

A full schedule of movies has been planned throughout November and in the run up to Christmas, featuring a mixture of early evening family favourites and late-night big screen classics. The audio from the films will be played through each individual car radio using FM transmitters. Tickets are now available to book online.

The schedule is as follows:

  • 5th November – Bonfire Night Special! Hocus Pocus / Grease
  • 12th November – Frozen / The Conjuring (eve of Friday 13th!)
  • 19th November – The Greatest Showman / Back to the Future
  • 26th November – Lion King / Dirty Dancing
  • 3rd December – Home Alone 1 / Gremlins
  • 10th December – Elf / Bad Santa
  • 17th December – Frozen 2 / Love Actually

In-car dining will be available with a full drinks delivery service, alongside VIP pre-show or after-show dining in the brand-new outdoor Alpine Igloo Village. The late show will also include a ‘leave your car overnight’ option for those wishing to enjoy an alcoholic drink during the screening. Guests are being asked to arrive 30 minutes before the film is due to start.

Marshalls will be on-hand to assist with parking. For those wanting to get closer to the action, there is a VIP ‘golden circle’ option ensuring you get a spot near the screen.

The manor has also announced its new Winter Igloo Village will be offering a tea-time Halloween experience for families during half-term and are now available to book online only for Thursday 29th 4-8pm and Friday 30th October from 4-6pm.

Craig Lynch, Managing Director at Brampton Manor said: “It’s an option for getting out safely. Innovation is always key. If you stand still in life, you go backwards.

“There are advertising opportunities on the big screen for businesses pre-show with a special reduced rate for Chesterfield Champions. Anyone interested should contact me directly and I’ll put them in touch with the event company.”

Brampton Manor 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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Chesterfield accountant Shorts leads the way on completing Chase Hardware management buyout

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm Shorts recently teamed up with Bell & Buxton and HSBC UK to act as lead advisors, legal representatives, and funders on the management buy-out of architectural ironmongery and general hardware distributers, Chase Hardware Ltd.

Chase Hardware Ltd was founded in 1978, with their head office based in Uttoxeter. Existing Director James Thomas has now taken full control following the acquisition of 100% of the share capital from the long-term owner Robert Roebuck.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “In these challenging times it is fantastic to see that transactions can be successfully completed. Chase is a great business and James has been key to driving that success over recent times. It was therefore a pleasure for myself and Adam Ames to advise James on completing the buy-out and we expect to see the business continue to go from strength to strength.”

Corporate Finance Partner at Bell & Buxton, Alex Ross added “Although funded corporate transactions have been difficult to complete since lockdown began, HSBC clearly bought into the ability of James as a manager and an individual and were very proactive in ensuring this deal was completed on pre-lockdown terms. James’ tenacity in ensuring the deal completed after months of delays should stand the business well in the future.”

James Thomas added “Having been in The Hardware & Ironmongery business for over 20 years and with Chase Hardware for the last 10 years, I am delighted to finally complete the management buy-out and to drive the business forward. We have a young dynamic team that are all excited to modernise the business, work more closely with our customers and firmly re-establish our identity in the market. Although it was a rollercoaster ride to get the deal done during such a difficult time, the company proved to be robust enough to trade successfully during the lockdown period. We reported continued growth and things are now looking even brighter for our future success.”
HSBC were advised by Duncan Shepherd of Wake Smith (legal advice) and Hawsons (financial due diligence), and the vendors were advised by Joanna Dawson of Dawson Radford Solicitors.

With a long-standing heritage of 130 years, Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. Shorts 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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Rosewood Wealth Management take on new apprentice

Independent financial advisor Rosewood Wealth Management has added new apprentice, Abigail Denman to its team.

Whilst studying Level 3 Business at Chesterfield College, Abigail developed a passion for finance. Abigail’s ambitious attitude at the outset of her career in the sector, her engagement with analytical challenges, as well as her natural talent for business and finance made her the perfect candidate for Rosewood’s apprenticeship scheme.

Upon joining the company, Abigail said: “When I saw the opportunity of starting an apprenticeship with Rosewood, I was so excited as I saw this a chance to start my career in finance. Donna and Shannan have really embraced me into the team and provided me with all the support and a specialised finance apprenticeship provider to ensure my journey is a success. I am excited for what the future holds.”

According to the team at Rosewood: “On top of her skillset and dedication, what makes Abigail such a good fit is her friendly manner and bubbly personality. We’re sure that you will agree when you’re greeted at the office for your next appointment!”

Rosewood Wealth Management believe in providing all clients with a truly individualised independent financial advice service. Whether you are just starting your property journey and buying your first home, looking towards your first investment, saving for your future, exploring pension options or looking to enjoy your wealth, they are there to help and guide you. Rosewood was founded upon the fundamental principles of personal, intimate support and frank, honest advice tailored to the needs of the client.

They aim to help you achieve the best results from your financial planning by offering financial advice in all areas, including mortgages, investments, retirement advice, pensions, equity release, savings wealth management, and insurance.

You can find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice here

Rosewood Wealth Management 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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Free school lunches to be provided by Chesterfield FC Community Trust

Chesterfield FC Community Trust will be providing free school lunches for those in need during the October half-term break.

In an effort to support the local community, the Trust will help families in need and ensure that children across the district are provided with food.

Keith Jackson, the Trust’s head of sport and activities, said: “We know there will be families in our region who will struggle to put food on the table for their children during half term, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We felt we had to support those families. This is about our town pulling together and looking after each other. We will do everything we can to make sure no child in Chesterfield goes hungry this half term.

“Local businesses and friends of the Trust have offered to lend support, which is a great help.

“Lifehouse Church – a valued partner of the Trust – are backing the project and they have arranged for Jacksons The Bakers to provide 100 sandwiches, 100 sausage rolls and 100 muffins every day, which is fantastic.

“We are also grateful to Tesco, Print Digital Media and The Corrugated Case Company Ltd for their generous support.”

Lunches, to include a sandwich and a snack, will be available to collect from Chester’s Den play centre from 12pm to 2pm every week day during the half-term break. Organisers will endeavour to have a vegetarian option available every day but cannot guarantee allergy-free food preparation due to the scale of the project.

A one-way system will be in place with an outdoor queuing system. All staff working on this project will be temperature checked and wear appropriate face coverings and gloves.

The offer is open to any child currently receiving free school dinners but also, in exceptional circumstances, others who need support at this time. To qualify, the child’s name and school must be quoted, along with a parent’s National Insurance number.

Anyone who would like to offer support by volunteering to help with queuing systems or have appropriate food hygiene certificates should email enquiries@spireitestrust.org.uk.

 

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2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards winners named

Chesterfield has crowned its best high street businesses, individuals, market stall traders and events of 2020.

Independent womenswear retailer, Dotique has taken the top title of Retailer of the Year in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards. Judges described Dotique as ‘a fantastic business that always gives back to the community.’

In addition to the coveted Retailer of the Year title, Dotique was also named as the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year. Based on Chatsworth Road, the business was established in 2018 by Dorothy Robinson.

Delighted with the double win, Dorothy said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers who have spurred me on since opening the business. Thank you to everybody that has supported me and voted for me.”

Dotique was one of 15 winners named as Chesterfield’s very best shops, market stalls, events, apprentices, projects and businesses in the town.

Usually a black-tie awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, amidst the challenges of the pandemic this year’s awards ceremony was held online and hosted by street magician Steve Faulkner.

Previously known as the Chesterfield Retail Awards and now in its seventh year, this year’s High Street Awards saw a number of new names and faces in the winners’ line-up. Pinewood Properties, Curious Goods, Huckleberry Willow, Steph’s Sustainable Stuff, Warhammer and Shop Indie were all first-time winners in the awards.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator and organiser of the annual awards said: “Despite the challenges that Covid presented to this year’s Chesterfield High Street Awards, they are certainly the most memorable.

“Never have high street businesses needed our support more. It was an honour and a privilege for the Destination Chesterfield team to be able to organise an event to celebrate this hard-working sector. Each and every business and individual on our high street deserves both recognition and support. Well done to everyone involved.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to join everyone virtually for the Chesterfield High Street Awards 2020. What a year it has been. Yet the people behind the town’s high street businesses have shown such resilience.

“It is crucial that we all get behind local businesses during this time of uncertainty and beyond. Chesterfield Borough Council has adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild the local economy. Without a doubt, further challenges will lay ahead. But we will continue to work closely with Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Champions to promote the town as a place to work, live, visit and invest. We will also continue to collaborate with local businesses, invest in our economy, showcase our successful businesses and everything that is great about Chesterfield.”

Dorothy added: “It was lovely to be part of the awards. Thank you everybody. It’s important that everybody supports each other.”

The winning businesses, individuals and events in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year and Retailer of the Year 2020
Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, owner of Dotique said: “I am so very happy to win. I love Chesterfield and am supported by fantastic staff and customers who have spurred me on since opening the business. Customers are at the heart of everything that we do and we’re constantly striving to improve the customer experience. Thank you to everybody that has supported me and voted for Dotique.”

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie

Belle Vie scooped the award for the second year running. Alysha Bradley, owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels amazing to win the award for the second year in a row. Our clients have been so supportive this year. Thank you to them and the team.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery

Chris Radford, Managing Director of Brampton Brewery, said: “Although we’re operating in difficult times, we love working in the industry. All the team is passionate about what we do and I think that comes through when we’re serving customers.”

High Street Business of the Year
Pinewood Properties

The business really stood out to the judges for its speedy response on social media. Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Properties, said: “We are so pleased to win. The last three years have been incredible. We’ve won virtually every customer-service award in our industry. We do ordinary things exceptionally well. We are made up to win the Chesterfield High Street Award.”

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Huckleberry Willow

The store was commended by judges for having helpful and knowledgeable staff. Luke Shah, Managing Director of Huckleberry Willow said “We are delighted to win the award. It was very unexpected. We’re a family business and have been in Chesterfield since 1976. It is amazing to have the support of our customers.”

Market Trader of the Year
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Owner of the first zero waste stall on Chesterfield’s Saturday’s Market and monthly Artisan Market, Steph Mannion, said: “The award puts green shopping on the map in Chesterfield. It is awesome to be recognised for bringing zero waste shopping to Chesterfield. I am so proud of Chesterfield and the market. There is no need to go to a supermarket. From meat, veg and dry goods to toiletry and household refills and environmentally friendly products -Chesterfield’s market has it covered.”

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery

Judges praised the business’ use of technology to connect people online. Emily Lord, owner of Fred’s Haberdashery said: “We were really surprised and shocked to win. It feels great after so much hard work. Having taken over the business in February just before lockdown, we’ve had to work really hard to get the website and social media up and running but it has helped keep us connected to our customers and enabled them to keep crafting.”

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year
Warhammer

The friendly and knowledgeable service at Warhammer stood out for the judges. Andrew Ward, manager of the Warhammer store in Chesterfield, said: “I was really chuffed to win. We’re a unique store in the town with knowledgeable staff all committed to giving customers a really great experience when they visit us. We are really grateful to all our customers for their support.”

Retail Apprentice of the Year
Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato CRM Solutions UK commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year
Therapy Lounge

The beauty business, which is based in Hasland has employed apprentices for more than 10 years. Rebecca McNair, an apprentice beauty therapist at Therapy Lounge, said: “We were delighted and surprised to win the award. We’ve all been working so hard to do the best we can for our clients during Covid.”

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods

Owner Jonny Kudibal said: “It’s fabulous to win. We sell a lot of holistic and alternative therapy products so it’s important we give the right advice to help customers make the best decision. We have great staff who have been with us for a number of years and they really do try to make a difference to all our customers. Thank you to all our customers supporting us through Covid.”

Best Town Centre Event
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Organised by Edge Events, this is the second consecutive year the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival has won the Best Town Centre Event category. Richard Alsop, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “We are so proud to receive this award. We always put our heart and soul into the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival and it is so encouraging to have the support that we do from the public, the traders and the council.

“It has added an extra bit of specialness to the award receiving it during the tough times our industry is currently facing. We look forward to organising a great festival, hopefully in 2021.”

Future High Street Award
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Big Screen

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Coordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, said: “We’re over the moon to have won the Future High Street Award for our Big Screen.

“The installation of the screen is one of the latest improvements that Alterx, our owners, have made to the shopping centre since purchasing it in December 2018. With it we hope to create an animated focal point and lively meeting place for visitors and shoppers to socialise and spend time within the town centre. We’re also working with local partners to help promote businesses within the area and push out key messages about the town centre and all of the wonderful things happening around us.”

Best New Store
Shop Indie

Lisa Swift, partner at Shop Indie which opened in October last year, said: “We were really delighted when we heard our name called out at the awards. It’s lovely that the people of Chesterfield have really taken on board our shop and love our products. It’s nice to offer Chesterfield something different.”

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards were supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

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Dronfield Hall Barn to strengthen ties with local business community

A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant has been awarded to The Dronfield Heritage Trust for work on a campaign to attract more commercial users to Dronfield Hall Barn.

The High Street heritage building is home to a wide range of arts, cultural and community events as well as having an outdoor and indoor coffee shop.

The Trust has appointed PR consultant Louise Third MBE who is originally from Holmesfield to work with the DHB managers and current business partners to shape the new plans.

Alan Powell, chair of the Dronfield Heritage Trust, believes the new commercial landscape presents the perfect opportunity to plan ahead and offer somewhere unique where businesses can work and meet.

“If the past few months have taught us anything, it is that we need to adapt and serve our community in different ways. During the Covid lockdown, we stayed active by putting many of our activities online and our home grocery delivery service proved vital to many Dronfield residents.

“We now we feel we can do even more to maximise our brilliant facilities and at the same time help the business community as they continue the process of recovery. Put simply, the more activity we can generate, the more sustainable The Barn becomes for the future.

He added: “Louise has been a Friend of DHB for several years and brings strong commercial and creative expertise to this project. Back in 2004 she handled the press work when Sainsbury’s gifted the Barn and has followed our progress ever since.”

Covid-related travel and social distancing restrictions are placing more pressure on employees to work closer to home, and on businesses to find alternative places to meet. This project will look into how the Dronfield Hall Barn might help solve some of these issues for Sheffield and north Derbyshire businesses and other organisations.

Louise is keen to hear from local business owners and managers who can help her research. “I used to work in Sheffield and my family was well-established in the business communities of the city and north-east Derbyshire. So it is a privilege to be back working in a familiar part of the country.”

Anyone interested in talking to Louise can email her at louise@louisethird.com or message via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisethird/

Dronfield Hall Barn 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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New consultation to be launched on North East Derbyshire District Council’s local plan

A new consultation is due to be launched on North East Derbyshire District Council’s draft Local Plan, which sets the plan for future development in the area. This will allow over seven full weeks for the public and groups to comment.

The draft Local Plan is currently under examination and the new consultation will be on changes to the plan, called ‘Main Modifications’ which are proposed by the independent inspector.

It is expected that the consultation, set to be approved by the Cabinet on the 29th October, will run for 7 ½ weeks, from the 2nd November 2020 to the 23rd December 2020. Full details on the consultation and how it will work will be posted on the Council’s website and social media over the next week.

Cllr Charlotte Cupit, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, commented: “This consultation will allow residents to have their say on the changes proposed by the Inspector to the draft Plan so far, including the removal of three large previously allocated Green Belt sites and the updated housing land supply in our District.

“I would urge everyone to submit their views on the proposed changes as part of this consultation. I understand there is particular concern over the remaining allocations in the Green Belt and why the Inspector has only removed some allocations from the Plan but not others. This is the last chance for communities to highlight their concerns and test the Inspector’s reasoning by commenting on her Main Modifications proposals.

“We recognise that Covid-19 provides challenges to how consultations were previously run, but we’ve been working hard to make sure this consultation is accessible to residents and making extra provisions, including for anyone who may be self-isolating. As well as being available online, consultation documents can be posted out on request, to local residents who are self-isolating and unable to access deposit venues or view material online.”

You can find the Cabinet paper, including details of the proposed Main Modifications consultation, here https://democracy.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1137&MId=1763&Ver=4

Previous Examination updates are available here. https://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/planning-and-local-plan/planning-policy-and-local-plan/examination/latest-news-and-updates

The Avenue, Wingerworth

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